Crackdown in Piccadilly Gardens Sees Illegal E-Bikes Seized and Arrests Made

Officers from the Piccadilly Gardens Neighbourhood Policing Team have carried out a targeted operation to tackle the illegal use of e-bikes and immigration offences in Manchester City Centre.

The operation, which took place on Tuesday 18 February 2026, brought together neighbourhood officers alongside colleagues from Immigration Enforcement and the specialist Motorcycle Unit. The joint effort focused on addressing ongoing concerns raised by members of the public regarding the unsafe and unlawful use of electrically assisted bikes in Piccadilly Gardens.

Over the course of just two hours, officers achieved significant results. A total of eight illegal e-bikes were seized after being identified as non-compliant with legal requirements. In addition, one individual was arrested on suspicion of immigration offences, while another person was arrested on suspicion of public order offences.

The enforcement activity forms part of continued work by Greater Manchester Police and partner agencies to respond directly to community concerns and ensure Piccadilly Gardens remains a safe and welcoming environment for the public.

Sergeant Jon Wyatt of the Piccadilly Gardens Neighbourhood Policing Team officer said:

“We’ve received numerous complaints from members of the public about the dangerous and intimidating use of illegal e-bikes in Piccadilly Gardens. These vehicles often operate outside the law and pose a real risk to pedestrians. This operation demonstrates our commitment to listening to those concerns and taking decisive action. I’d like to thank all the officers involved for their professionalism and hard work. Their proactive approach has had an immediate impact, removing illegal bikes from the streets and helping to keep the city centre safe.”

Officers will continue to carry out proactive patrols and joint operations in the area, working with partner agencies to tackle criminality and anti-social behaviour while maintaining a visible and reassuring presence in the community.