Police Drones Track Down Illegal Bike in Newport Operation

Newport neighbourhood officers have successfully recovered a Sur-Ron electric bike in the Ringland area using drone technology as part of Operation Harley. 🚓🚁

The aerial surveillance helped police pinpoint the location of the illegally operated bike, which was subsequently seized for being driven without insurance.

Operation Harley is an ongoing initiative to tackle illegal off-road bike use across Gwent. Recent operations in Newport have yielded significant results, including the seizure of two Sur-Ron bikes, recovery of a suspected stolen bicycle, prosecution of a Sur-Ron rider for driving offences, and the arrest of a man on suspicion of possession with intent to supply controlled drugs.

PC Thomas Gardner, neighbourhood ward manager, said: “Gwent Police is acutely aware of the impact that the illegal use of off-road bikes can have on our communities. We will continue to carry out regular operations like this in Newport and across Gwent. We need to know where these bikes are being used and stored so that we can seize the machines being driven illegally.”

Residents concerned about illegal off-roading in their area are encouraged to report incidents via the Gwent Police website, by calling 101, or by sending a direct message on their Facebook or X social media pages.