Vandalism threat to Mobike operation
INCIDENTS FORCE COMPANY TO REVIEW CITY PRESENCE
POLICE are investigating after a Mobike went up in flames - sparking fresh fears the firm may quit Tyneside.
Firefighters were called to Ouseburn after a report the Mobike had been deliberately torched.
The latest act of Mobike vandalism comes after the cycle rental firm revealed it was debating leaving the North East due to vandalism.
The orange and silver bikes have been found dumped in the Tyne and ditched around Newcastle since they were launched last October.
Dubbing the fire an act of “vandalism”, a Mobike spokesperson added: “This type of incident risks the future of Mobike in Newcastle for everyone.”
There are now over 1,000 bikes dotted around Newcastle and Gateshead.
The Chinese firm has gradually extended the operation across the region, in what an official said was proof the bikes were “more and more wanted”.
However it tweeted recently that it was reviewing its Newcastle operations. Newcastle City Council said it is “keen” for Mobike to stay.
A spokesperson added: “We continue to work closely with them to help address the issues they are encountering.”
However, the same day the Chronicle published the council’s comments, staff were called to retrieve the bike following the blaze.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “At around 5.34pm on August 29, we received a report a Mobike had been set on fire in Ouseburn Road. A fire crew attended the scene and extinguished the blaze.
“No-one was injured as a result of this incident and a the bicycle was retrieved by Newcastle Council.
“If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact police by calling 101 quoting log 814 29/8/18.”