Police Seize 21 Illegal E-Scooters and Motorcycles in Southampton Crackdown

Police officers in Southampton have seized 21 illegally used e-scooters and electric motorcycles during a targeted operation aimed at tackling anti-social and unlawful riding across the city.

The enforcement activity took place on Thursday and involved officers from Neighbourhood Policing Teams, the Violent Crime Taskforce, and Roads Policing Units.

According to police, the operation was launched in response to growing community concerns about the illegal use of privately owned e-scooters and off-road motorcycles on public roads and pavements.

As well as seizing 21 vehicles, officers made several arrests for a range of offences including drug driving, dangerous driving, and drug supply.

A 21 year old man from Southampton attempted to flee after officers spotted him riding an illegal off-road motorcycle on Shirley High Street. He was later caught and found in possession of cannabis. The man was arrested on suspicion of drug driving, failing to stop, dangerous driving, and possession of Class B drugs. His motorcycle and the drugs were seized.

In a separate incident, a 62 year old man from Southampton was stopped while driving a Nissan Juke on St Mary Street and arrested on suspicion of drug driving.

Officers also arrested a 31 year old man from Southampton after discovering 112 wraps of white and brown powder, along with a pair of scissors that had their handles cable-tied together. He was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and possession of an offensive weapon.

A fourth arrest was made after a 23 year old man from Crewe was found with 50 wraps of suspected Class A drugs. He was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply.

Police described the operation as a “fantastic team effort,” crediting collaboration between neighbourhood officers, the Violent Crime Taskforce, and Roads Policing in removing illegal vehicles and tackling associated criminality.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said the force would continue to focus on reducing the use of illegal e-scooters and motorcycles in public spaces, highlighting the risks they pose to riders and pedestrians alike.