The number of illegal e-bikes that have been seized in the North East has increased over the last two years, it can be revealed.

A total of 19 e-bikes were seized by North East police forces in 2022/23 compared to 67 in 2023/2024, data has revealed.

Durham Police seized one in 2022/23 and nine the following year, whilst Northumbria Police confiscated 18, rising to 58 in the same periods.

This comes as forces across the UK confiscated 937 e-bikes in the year to August 11, according to Freedom of Information (FoI) figures obtained by the PA news agency.

Among the forces with the largest year-on-year increases in e-bike seizures were Wiltshire Police (from 24 to 64), Police Scotland (from 60 to 233), Derbyshire Police (from four to 23), Northumbria Police (from 18 to 58) and South Wales Police (from 66 to 137).

That is compared with 511 during the previous 12 months. Under UK law, e-bikes themselves are not illegal but motors must cut out when a speed of 15.5mph is reached.

However, police are increasingly finding many have been modified to reach much faster speeds.

It is also common for officers to find e-bikes that can be powered without the pedals being turned, effectively making them electric mopeds or motorbikes which must be registered and taxed.

When approached for comment, a spokesperson for Northumbria Police confirmed that a specialised operation has been launched to curb anti-social bike use as they urge members of the public to come forward with reports.

Chief Inspector Phil Baker, of Northumbria Police, said: “We are aware that the anti-social use of bikes is a concern shared by members of our community.

“In response, Operation Capio was launched last November to disrupt anti-social bike use across the region, with a focus on identifying prolific nuisance riders and seizing their vehicles.

“The dedicated operation builds upon ongoing work carried out by police and partners to tackle pockets of disorder and act on the concerns of residents.

He added: “While the operation has already seen some great results, please know that our work is far from over.

“We would like to urge members of the community to continue being our eyes and ears out in the community and tell us your concerns.

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“If you see something suspicious, please report it to police at the earliest opportunity and share as much detail as possible to help us identify those involved.

“You can contact us directly via social media, our online chat or submit a crime report form on our website. If you’re unable to contact us in any of those ways, please call 101.”

Durham Police did not provide a comment.