MERSEYSIDE POLICE BOOST OPERATION GEARS WITH NEW STARK VARG ELECTRIC BIKES

Criminals and nuisance riders using illegal e-bikes, e-scooters and off-road motorcycles are being targeted with powerful new electric police bikes as part of Merseyside Police's ongoing Operation Gears campaign.

The road-legal Stark Varg electric bikes are now being deployed across Merseyside as part of Operation Gears, the force's targeted campaign to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour linked to the illegal use of off-road bikes, e-bikes, e-scooters and electric motorcycles.

The bikes will work alongside the National Police Air Service (NPAS), air support and the force's existing fleet of police motorcycles and vehicles, helping officers track, disrupt and seize illegal vehicles used by criminals and nuisance riders.

Since the launch of Operation Gears in June 2025, officers have seized more than 1,600 two-wheeled vehicles linked to criminality, dangerous riding and antisocial behaviour, with enforcement activity continuing across the region.

Illegal off-road bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters are frequently linked to complaints from residents about dangerous riding, intimidation, antisocial behaviour and damage to parks and public spaces. They are also used by offenders to evade police, as well as facilitate crimes including theft, robbery and drug-related activity.

Roads Policing Sergeant Garreth Barry said: "Our officers respond to incidents involving illegal vehicles every day and see first-hand the impact they have on our communities. As well as being linked to criminality and antisocial behaviour, these vehicles can cause serious injuries and devastation when ridden dangerously."

"These specialist electric bikes give us another effective tool to target offenders, allowing officers to access areas that are often difficult to reach with conventional police vehicles."

"They are one of a number of tactics we are deploying as part of Operation Gears to identify those breaking the law, seize illegal vehicles and disrupt criminal activity. Illegal e-bikes, e-scooters and off-road bikes put people at risk and have no place on our roads, parks and open spaces."

The road-legal Stark Vargs can reach speeds of up to 85mph and will be ridden by specially trained officers. Their electric motors provide near-silent operation, allowing officers to carry out enforcement activity more discreetly and with less disruption to local communities.

Unlike larger police vehicles, the Stark Vargs can quickly and safely access locations such as parks, woodland, tracks and open spaces where offenders often ride illegally. Their agility provides officers with another specialist tactic to identify, pursue and stop those responsible.

Superintendent Paul Holden, lead for Operation Gears, said: "I want to be clear, our action is not aimed at responsible riders. It is focused on those who choose to break the law, put communities at risk and use illegal vehicles to facilitate crime.

"Residents regularly tell us that the illegal use of these vehicles makes them feel unsafe and causes significant disruption in their communities. We are listening to those concerns and taking action.

"The introduction of these Stark Varg bikes demonstrates our continued commitment to protecting communities and taking decisive action against offenders. We know illegal riding remains a concern for many people, and every arrest we make and every illegal vehicle we seize is one less tool available to criminals."

Information from local communities continues to play a vital role in identifying hotspots and offenders, helping officers take targeted action where it is needed most.

The Stark Vargs will be trialled until October 2026.