Derby immigration raid seizes e‑bikes as Coventry boosts e‑bike enforcement

A multi‑agency operation in Derby city centre on 17–18 June targeted businesses suspected of facilitating illegal immigration. Police arrested 11 people, including five for immigration offences, and seized seven vehicles, over £1 million in cash, illegal tobacco and vapes, 92 cars and 31 e‑bikes. The raid was part of a nationwide crackdown that resulted in 362 arrests, with 57 individuals identified as having entered the UK by small boat.

In Coventry, the council is expanding its response to the growing nuisance of illegal e‑bike and e‑scooter riding. Over the period from December 2024 to June 2026, 47 fixed‑penalty notices were issued and 17 collisions were recorded (four involving e‑bikes). The city will deploy about two dozen additional staff, including 18 compliance officers and five neighbourhood support officers, and is considering mobile cameras and expanded powers for community‑safety wardens to enforce the ban on e‑bikes in the city centre and parks.