Britons have been warned of new police enforcement, which will see illegally modified electric bikes, e-scooters and vehicles seized and crushed by police.

It comes after Dorset Police launched a stricter enforcement measure this month as part of its new zero-tolerance approach to illegal vehicles.

The operation aims to combat organised crime and anti-social behaviour linked to illegal vehicles, which have been growing across areas in Poole and North Bournemouth.

Officers have now started conducting more patrols in well-known hotspots, arresting offenders and confiscating vehicles that are then destroyed instead of being handed back to riders.

SOUTH YORKSHIRE POLICE |

Police have begun seizing and crushing illegal e-bikes and e-scooters

The initiative represents a significant step up in enforcement efforts, with police directly linking the illegal use of modified electric vehicles to serious crimes.

Since the beginning of the year, officers have already seized 52 e-scooters and 33 electric bikes that were being driven illegally.

The force has secured funding to invest in SmartTag forensic spray technology, which can help identify offenders.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth University has partnered with the police to analyse operational data, which will help crack down on future incidents.

PA | E-bikes and e-scooters will face tougher rules under the new measures

The operation specifically targets areas in Poole and North Bournemouth where communities have reported increasing concerns about illegal vehicle use.

Under current laws, e-scooters are illegal outside designated trial areas, while e-bikes need to meet specific requirements, such as speed limits of 15.5mph.

But since the region does not operate a trial, any e-scooters found are automatically seen to be breaking the law and therefore able to be seized by police.

Inspector Nick Lee, of the Poole Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "We know that the use of these illegally adapted electric vehicles is enabling other crimes such as serious violent crime, drug-dealing and acquisitive crime, and so we have launched this operation as a measure to crack down on criminality."

He explained that the large proportion of calls received by residents demonstrates how concerned communities are about the use of these vehicles in public.

"We therefore remain committed to responding to these reports and cracking down on the criminality and ASB associated with their use," he shared.

He added that the force's response would be shared with the College of Policing to help shape national approaches to the issue.

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick added: "For some time, I have spoken about my concerns around the risks of e-scooters and illegally modified bikes, so I am pleased to see this tough approach from Dorset Police towards those causing fear and harm in our communities."

DORSET POLICE

He warned: "I am absolutely clear; if you're caught riding one of these vehicles illegally, it will be seized, crushed and recycled. Sidwick emphasised that tackling anti-social behaviour is a key part of his Police and Crime Plan."

Sidwick pledged to continue supporting the police force in "robustly tackling this issue to ensure people can feel safe where they live and work".

Dorset Police has also urged residents to report suspected illegal vehicle use through their website or by calling 101, stressing that community intelligence is vital to tackling the problem.

Under the new measures, all seized vehicles will be sent for crushing and recycling, with no possibility of returning to owners.