Criminals who use e-scooters and e-bikes to commit other crimes face having their vehicles crushed by police in Hampshire during “Operation Crush”.

CRIMINALS who use e-scooters and e-motorcycles to commit offences face having their vehicles crushed by police.

As part of Operation Crush, officers will be targeting those using the mode of transport for criminal activity or to terrorise others with anti-social behaviour.

Despite not being legally allowed in public places, police say they have seen a “steady increase” in the popularity of the vehicles.

A police spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, this has resulted in our officers seeing more and more of them used by those involved in crime and being used dangerously, potentially putting lives at risk.”

Inspector Andy Tester said: “Given the difficulties there can be stopping these vehicles and identifying the riders, we have noticed them becoming really popular with those committing a variety of different crimes, including those involved in drugs gangs.

“While we will always try and engage with people first and educate them about the laws around these vehicles, unfortunately not everyone is willing to listen to us and refuse to heed our warnings.

“So, we realised we needed to deploy tougher tactics for those persistent offenders, and looked at how we can use existing legislation to offer more of a deterrence.”

This could mean the vehicles being seized and crushed.

Inspector Tester concluded: “We hope that this action shows our communities that we have listened to their concerns about the rising use of these e-scooters and e-motorcycles being ridden dangerously or being used to carry out crime and anti-social behaviour.”