Number of thieves f leeing on e-scooters has trebled in a year

THE number of thieves using e- scooters and electric bikes to make speedy getaways has almost trebled in the past year, figures reveal.

Shocking statistics also show a 41 per cent rise in gadgets stolen, with almost 300 snatched in London alone every day in 2022.

In total, there were 108,900 gadget thefts, including 89,633 mobile phones, in the capital last year.

And thieves are increasingly using electric means of transport, which can be hired in cities around the country, to escape after stealing from members of the public.

Criminals used electric bikes in 1,397 gadget thefts last year and e-scooters in 424, an increase of 185 per cent, it was revealed in Freedom of Information requests to Scotland Yard and City of London Police.

Disturbingly, the use of knives and other weapons also rose by 6 per cent. There were 2,341 thefts of gadgets such as phones, tablets and laptops using weapons in 2021 but last year this increased to 2,480.

The thieves wielding these weapons were responsible for 180 injuries, 35 per cent up on the previous year.

In May 2022, Ciucur Munteanu, 19, attacked a university student with a machete during a terrifying daytime robbery in Longsight, Manchester, leaving his victim with damaged tendons.

Munteanu was jailed for six years last September. Dan Simson, from Direct Line, which commissioned the research, said: ‘Not all thefts will be reported, so in reality, this number is likely to be much higher.

‘Criminals are also becoming increasingly brazen, using ebikes and e-scooters to make a quick getaway.

‘It’s important to ensure your personal gadgets are covered by your home insurance when out and about as well as at home.

‘It’s worth checking if they are covered by your existing policy and if not, you may want to consider additional personal possessions cover.’

The charity Crimestoppers advises the public that they should keep expensive gadgets out from view and avoid storing them in one place.

The law states that e-scooters can be used on public roads only if rented as part of a Government-backed trial scheme. They must be taxed and insured. Privately owned scooters can be used only on private land.