Ten more illegal bikes seized following Ellesmere Port Operation Lawmaker deployment

Police officers working under Operation Lawmaker have seized a further ten illegal bikes and made a number of arrests during a recent deployment in Ellesmere Port.

On Friday 19th December, officers in Ellesmere Port were deployed across the town as part of Operation Lawmaker, the force’s bespoke initiative targeting illegal and dangerously ridden e-bikes and off-road vehicles in our towns.

Rolling out from Ellesmere Port station, the local Beat Management team was supported by colleagues from the Roads and Crime Unit, the Constabulary’s Motorcycle team, and the National Police Air Service over the course of the day of action, with their efforts garnering positive results.

A total of ten e-bikes and e-scooters were seized during the deployment, with officers also arresting two motorists for driving under the influence.

As well as this, six vehicles were seized by police for having serious defects, with a further two being taken off the road for being uninsured and/or being driven with the correct licence. 

Also, during the operation two large quantities of cannabis were also seized and a48-year-old man being issued with a Community Resolution for the possession of cannabis.

Sergeant Andy Griffiths, of the Constabulary’s Motorcycle Unit, said:

“We recognise how disruptive the use of illegal e-bikes, e-scooters, and dangerously ridden off-road vehicles are to residents in Ellesmere Port and across Cheshire.  

“We have recently surpassed 400 seizures of these vehicles in less than a year, and, as we move into 2026, we will continue our high-visibility patrols in hotspot areas at key times across our town, targeting those who intend to cause a nuisance in their communities.

“With Christmas on the horizon, I would like to remind parents and guardians in particular, to reconsider any purchases of e-bikes and e-scooters for their young people.

“Whilst it might seem like a great present, e-bikes are illegal to use by anyone under the age of 14 for their own safety and cannot be properly insured for use on public roads unless under a wider scheme such as those in Liverpool and Manchester."