Oldham’s streets and parks became a crime-fighting battlefield Thursday as Greater Manchester Police launched a major crackdown on dangerous e-bike riders who have been terrorizing neighborhoods and endangering children at play.

The coordinated blitz, spearheaded by Operation Vulcan, deployed the National Police Air Service helicopter alongside motorcycle and roads policing units to track reckless riders through public spaces. Officers witnessed multiple near-misses as drivers weaved through parks at excessive speeds, prompting immediate tactical stops that resulted in four illegal e-bikes being confiscated and a stolen vehicle recovered for return to its owner.

Beyond the seizures, the operation yielded significant criminal intelligence and resulted in multiple arrests for drug supply and drunk driving. Police made six child safeguarding referrals during community engagement efforts, while gathering evidence for potential civil actions against residents illegally storing petrol bikes in breach of tenancy agreements.

Inspector Dan Cullum, who commanded the Derker operation, declared the crackdown a success but warned it’s just the beginning. “We’re continuously working to expand our efforts in tackling the growing issue of illegal e-bikes being ridden in a dangerous and anti-social manner,” Cullum said. “By flooding the streets and skies with resources, we will target offenders and offer our support to the community who are being affected by these issues.”

Authorities urge residents to report anti-social motorcycle use or storage locations to Greater Manchester Police via 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.

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