Police have charged two teenage boys after investigations into alleged anti-social behaviour and wilful damage incidents involving illegal e-bikes at Runaway Bay, on the northern Gold Coast.
Local police allege that late in the afternoon of May 14, a group of teenagers riding non-compliant e-bikes damaged fields and lit fires at a polular sports ground.
Following investigations, police executed five search warrants on various properties and seized four high-powered electric motorbikes, a petrol dirt bike and a high-powered scooter.
Police arrested a 14-year-old who was charged with offences including two counts of stealing and public nuisance, one count each of unlicenced driving, driving an unregistered and uninsured vehicle and wilful damage.
He is due to appear at the Southport Children's Court on 3 June. Additionally, four other boys are currently assisting police with further investigations.
The latest arrest follows a search warrant where a 13-year-old boy was also arrested.
He was charged with multiple offences, including serious assault on police, dangerous operation of a vehicle, wilful damage, public nuisance, and traffic-related offences.
The Queensland Police Service reinforced the point they remain committed to community safety and promoting the safe and lawful use of personal mobility devices, including e-bikes and e-scooters.
A police statement reads, “Officers regularly conduct proactive patrols and enforcement operations targeting dangerous riding behaviour, anti-social activity, and the unlawful use of modified or non-compliant devices.”
“Riders who operate modified or non-compliant devices place themselves, pedestrians, and other road users at significant risk of serious injury.”
Police are also encouraging parents and guardians to familiarise themselves with the rules and regulations surrounding e-bikes and other personal mobility devices and to have conversations with young riders about responsible and lawful behaviour.
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