At least 167 serious crimes – together with theft – could possibly be related to folks using e-scooters in 2021.
Data has proven that of these offences reported to Essex Police – 39 robberies and 91 thefts will be related to folks using e-scooters.
At least 18 offences described as violence in opposition to the individual will be related to e-scooters.
Responding to a Freedom of Information request over linkage between e-scooters and crimes, Essex Police stated it can’t differentiate between a motorized vehicle or scooter for offences.
However, the power did verify 167 related hits within the first 10 months of 2021 when the phrase ‘e-scooter,’ ‘e scooter,’ ‘electric scooter’ or ‘spin scooter’ was used to search its crime database.
Of the full 167 incidents, 10 resulted in both fees, summonses or a postal requisition – a authorized doc notifying somebody {that a} resolution has been made to prosecute somebody at courtroom. Five have been for theft, one for theft, one for violence in opposition to the individual, two for possession for weapons offences and one for crimes in opposition to society.
The figures are small as compared with the approximate 150,000 offences reported to Essex Police in 2021 however are on the again of a dramatic rise within the numbers of e-scooter gross sales – though solely these half of the county’s trial will be legally ridden on roads.
Spin rental e-scooter trials in 5 cities and cities in Essex are being prolonged for an additional 12 months to permit for extra proof to be gathered as half of planning for his or her position sooner or later of sustainable transport.
On the backdrop of the unlawful riders the quantity of e-scooters seized by Essex Police has risen tenfold within the house of a 12 months.
Essex’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Roger Hirst, stated: “My personal view is I don’t think they will be a thing for very long because they are clearly not safe.”
He made the comment as figures present that in 2020 simply 38 e-scooters have been seized by Essex Police.
However, in 2021 a complete of 317 e-scooters have been seized.
A Department for Transport spokesperson stated: “Safety will always be our top priority and the trials currently taking place in 31 regions across England are allowing us to better understand the benefits of e-scooters and their impact on public space.
“While feedback from the trials has generally been positive, we know there have been a minority of instances where e-scooters have been misused.
“We’re clear to local authorities and operators taking part in legal trials of rental e-scooters that they should be proactive in dealing with instances of e-scooter misuse.”