Scottish Liberal Democrat leader and MSP for Edinburgh Northwestern, Alex Cole-Hamilton, has welcomed targeted action by Police in North West Edinburgh this week.
Cole-Hamilton thanked officers who successfully seized three Sur-Ron bikes as part of a ‘day of action’, as well as weapons, two motorcycles and mobile phones.
Police Officers carried out a day of action in the North West of Edinburgh, executing 2 warrants as part of ongoing enquiries into motor vehicle thefts and serious assaults.
During their execution, officers seized:
– 3 Sur-Ron bikes
– 2 Motorcycles
– Weapons
– Mobile Phones
– Various vehicle keys and V5 documentation
Two individuals were traced, arrested and charged in connection with the enquiries.
Further inquiries are ongoing into the items seized.
A third individual was also traced during the enquiries and arrested on his 11 outstanding warrants.
The action comes as a petition lodged to the Scottish Parliament by Liberal Democrat councillor for Almond, Lewis Younie, calling on the Scottish Government to give Police Scotland and local councils additional resources to tackle dangerous, high-powered motorbikes and electric bikes on local footpath networks.
Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said: “People in Edinburgh are lucky to have an extensive and growing network of cycle paths connecting our communities but navigating them has become intimidating and dangerous due to high-speed, illegally modified e-bikes frequently appearing on our routes.
“We have all seen the dangers these e-bikes cause, including, in some tragic cases, fatalities and serious injuries that impact numerous lives.
“Bikes capable of excessive speeds without pedalling are not permitted on public footpaths under current law, but without adequate resources, enforcement has been an uphill battle.
“To give residents permanent confidence on their local paths, the Scottish Government must back our police forces with dedicated resources to crack down on illegal sellers, intercept dangerous riders, and keep our public spaces safe for everyone.
“I warmly welcome Police Scotland’s targeted action in Edinburgh Northwestern this week and thank local officers for their hard work.”
The link to the petition can be found HERE
