Poole Residents Forced to Flee Homes Amid E-Bike Gang Terror
Residents in the coastal town of Poole, Dorset, are reportedly packing up and leaving their so-called forever homes due to escalating fears over balaclava-clad e-bike gangs that have overrun the area. The situation reached a critical point last week when a pregnant woman was seriously injured in a hit-and-run incident involving an e-bike, with her newborn baby now fighting for life in hospital.
Community in Crisis After Violent Incident
The alarming incident occurred on Herbert Avenue in Poole, where a pregnant woman was struck by an e-bike that allegedly failed to stop. The baby was delivered shortly after the collision and remains in a critical condition, while the mother continues to recover from her injuries. Dorset Police have since arrested a 13-year-old boy in connection with the hit-and-run, who remains in police custody as investigations continue.
This violent episode represents the culmination of years of growing concern among Poole residents regarding antisocial behaviour from young riders on modified e-bikes. Locals report daily sightings of teenagers wearing balaclavas while riding erratically through streets, performing dangerous stunts like wheelies in front of moving vehicles, and gathering in groups of up to twenty riders who completely take over roadways.
Residents Describe Living in Fear
Janet Trendle, who lived in the area for nine years before recently moving away, described the deteriorating situation to local media. There are bikes everywhere with kids on them riding in front of cars and coming down the street right next to us, she explained. We saw a gang in balaclavas shoplifting from our local Co-op, they left rubbish everywhere and graffiti covers everything. We started feeling unsafe in our home, so we packed up and moved.
Another resident, Martyn Dickson, expressed his frustration at what he perceives as little wannabe gangsters who ride around like they are untouchable, intimidating other road users and being a general stain on society. He added emphatically: It's disgraceful.
Police Response to Growing Problem
Dorset Police have acknowledged the significant concern among residents regarding the antisocial riding of e-bikes and e-scooters in the Poole area. Chief Superintendent Lindsay Dudfield stated that the force has taken decisive action in recent months, including a major operation in December that targeted an organised ride-out planned to fight Dorset Police.
During this operation, which followed a route from Poole to Bournemouth, officers seized numerous illegal e-bikes and arrested a 20-year-old man believed to be the organiser on suspicion of causing a public nuisance. We know that the anti-social riding of e-bikes and e-scooters is of significant concern to our residents, Chief Superintendent Dudfield explained. It was vital we acted upon these concerns to ensure everyone can have a safe and enjoyable time in the area.
The police have maintained a highly visible presence in affected areas, confiscating vehicles and dealing with individuals intent on causing harm or disruption to communities. However, residents report that the problem has persisted despite these enforcement efforts, with some feeling they have no choice but to relocate for their own safety.
The situation in Poole highlights broader challenges facing communities across the UK regarding the regulation of e-bikes and the prevention of antisocial behaviour among young riders. As police continue their efforts to clamp down on dangerous riding, residents remain hopeful that their town can eventually return to the peaceful community they once knew.
