Arrests after Liverpool e-scooter batteries stolen

The Liverpool trial began three years ago

Battery thefts from distinctive electric scooters are costing more than £500,000 in Liverpool.

Merseyside Police has launched an investigation after more than 700 Voi e-scooters were targeted by thieves throughout the city region.

The force confirmed six people were arrested on Monday after batteries from the scooters were taken without permission.

Several stolen scooters have also been recovered and seized by officers.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said police estimated the cost of the thefts would go beyond £500,000.

The electric vehicles have operated across Liverpool since a trial began back in October 2020.

The city was one of 32 areas in the UK to participate in the rental trial scheme, commissioned by the Department for Transport.

A 34-year-old woman, a 15-year-old boy and four men aged 27, 22, 48 and 38 were arrested in Knowsley on suspicion of handling stolen goods and theft.

'Unsustainable scheme'

A large quantity of batteries were also recovered by officers.

A local authority cabinet report last year said the size of the CityBike scheme reduced year on year, due to theft and vandalism, coupled with a lack of available funding to invest in new bikes.

The council described the scheme as "unsustainable" due to the annual losses of about £300,000 each year.

The Swedish micromobility firm is looking to further its reach across the region, the company's contract with the council runs until May.

Insp Kieron Hogan said: "Thanks to our work with Voi and Liverpool Council into numerous thefts of scooters and the re-sale of the batteries across Merseyside our officers have arrested six people on suspicion of theft and handling stolen goods.

"To date there have been in excess of 700 reported thefts within Liverpool, with the estimated cost exceeding over £500,000."