Two arrested, three e-bikes seized, and drugs recovered in North …
Officers saw a man riding an electric bike in the Borough Road area of Sunderland on Wednesday, July 19.
They believed the bike to be stolen, and the man was also found to be in possession of drugs, believed to be crack cocaine and heroin, drug paraphernalia, two knives, and to mobile phones.
The 41-year-old was arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article and possession of class-A drugs, and the e-bike was seized.
Officers then carried out a search of two properties in the area and discovered quantities of cannabis inside the first address.
Following this, they then found more drugs and two more suspected stolen e-bikes in a second address nearby.
A 17-year-old male who was present at one of the properties was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.
A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: “Two people in handcuffs, three e-bikes seized and a drugs haul was recovered after eagle-eyed officers trusted their instincts in Sunderland.
“Shortly after 5pm on Wednesday, July 19, officers were on patrol in the Borough Road area when they saw a man riding an electric bike.
“They spoke with him – and quickly ascertained the e-bike was believed to have been stolen, and was not permitted to be driven in a public place.
“He was also found to be in possession of a stash of drugs, believed to be crack cocaine and heroin, as well drug paraphernalia, two knives, and two mobile phones.
“The man, aged 41, was arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article and possession of class A drugs – and the e-bike was seized.
“Officers subsequently carried out a search of two properties in the area as part of their enquiries, and discovered quantities of cannabis inside the first address.
“Following this, they found further drugs and two more suspected stolen e-bikes in a second address nearby.
“A 17-year-old male who was present at one of the properties was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.
“Both males have since been released on police bail, pending further enquiries.
“We are aware of recent complaints around vehicle disorder in the area and want to reassure the public that we will continue to take a proactive approach in tackling this issue alongside our partners.
“We understand the detrimental effect that this can have. It is not a victimless crime – and the actions of a minority who tear around on these bikes can make residents feel intimidated and frightened.
“This type of disorder can, in some cases, also be linked to wider, more organised criminality in the community.
“Please take extra time to check vehicles are secure, property doors and windows are locked, and that any valuables are kept out of sight.
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“As ever, we would like to remind everyone that privately owned e-scooters and e-bikes are illegal to ride in any public place – whether that’s a road, pavement or any other public land.
“E-scooters and e-bikes are classified as personal light electric vehicles, so as such are treated as motor vehicles and are subject to the same legal requirements such driving license, insurance, tax and MOT.
“Those found to be driving an e-scooter or e-bike on public land could face having the vehicle seized and possible prosecution.
“If you see anyone acting suspiciously in your community, or have any information about local crime, you can report it using the ‘Tell Us Something’ page on our website or by calling 101.
“In an emergency, or if a crime is taking place, always ring 999.”
References
- ^ Rescue teams recover body from river after man dies in drowning incident (www.thenorthernecho.co.uk)
- ^ Crash in Chester-le-Street involving two cars leads to slow traffic and delays (www.thenorthernecho.co.uk)
- ^ Inmate caught with illicit phone and improvised knife in cell search (www.thenorthernecho.co.uk)
- ^ Fifth-strike Ferryhill burglar described as 'scourge of the community' by judge (www.thenorthernecho.co.uk)
- ^ here (www.thenorthernecho.co.uk)