London police arrest 32, seize e‑bikes in crackdown on child‑used shoplifting gangs

Metropolitan Police officers conducted a week‑long Operation Terminos in Wembley, North West London, targeting organised retail crime, drug dealing and the illegal use of high‑speed e‑bikes. Forty officers arrested 32 suspects, seized 64 illegal e‑bikes and scooters, recovered five knives and confiscated ten canisters of cannabis. The raids uncovered organised shop‑lifting gangs that deploy children as young as five, with parents using the youngsters to evade security staff while stealing designer goods and food‑stock for local minimarts.

Acting police sergeant Jo Van Wyk said the gangs often steal large quantities of rice and other items to sell to restaurants, and noted a recent haul of £10,000 worth of sunglasses. Chief Inspector Yu Zhang explained that the operation focused on crimes residents identified as most harmful, adding that the e‑bikes were modified to reach speeds of 30‑70 mph, far above the legal limit and posing serious injury risks. The police emphasized the aim of protecting neighbourhoods, removing dangerous weapons and illegal vehicles, and preventing early exploitation of children in criminal activity.