Perth Police Conclude Operation Moorhead: 183 Charges, 76 Illegal E-Rideables Seized
Police in Perth's northern suburbs have concluded Operation Moorhead, an enforcement initiative launched in early January to address community concerns regarding the use of illegal electric rideables (e-rideables) and associated disruptive behaviors.
The operation resulted in 183 charges, with 61 juveniles and 15 adults facing various offenses, and the seizure and destruction of 76 devices.
Background to Operation Moorhead
Operation Moorhead was initiated on January 5, focusing initially on the Joondalup district and later extending to other northern suburbs, including Mindarie, Carine, Currumbine, Burns Beach, and Duncraig. The operation was launched in response to multiple community complaints detailing various incidents involving groups of individuals, often youths, operating e-rideables.
Reported behaviors included:
- Throwing objects at individuals and vehicles.
- Intimidating members of the public.
- Operating vehicles on public roads in a manner described by complainants as reckless.
- Evading police.
- Damage to private residences and street fires.
- Verbal abuse directed at residents.
- Documenting activities on social media platforms.
One group involved in these activities was reported to identify as 'The Hitters' and posted videos of their actions online. No injuries were reported during the course of Operation Moorhead.
Enforcement Actions and Outcomes
The operation concluded with the following statistics:
- Total Charges: 183 offenses were recorded.
- Individuals Charged: 61 juveniles, aged between 12 and 16 years, and 15 adults were charged.
- Devices Seized: 76 illegal e-rideables were confiscated and subsequently destroyed. These included high-powered electric dirt bikes, e-bikes, and e-scooters.
Initial charges included failing to stop for police, using an unlicensed vehicle on a road, and possession of a prohibited drug. The individuals charged face various traffic-related and other offenses.
Acting Inspector Scott Gillis of Joondalup police noted an instance where a 12-year-old was found operating an e-rideable capable of reaching speeds of 80 kilometers per hour.
Legal Requirements for E-Rideables
Police have reinforced that the use of electric off-road bikes and other illegal e-rideables on public roads is prohibited. Devices seized during Operation Moorhead were identified as illegal for road use, regardless of the rider's age, due to being considered unregistered vehicles. Legal e-rideables are regulated and restricted to individuals aged 16 or older.
Consequences for operating such vehicles illegally can include seizure and destruction of the device, along with charges and court appearances.
Road Safety Minister Reece Whitby stated that the operation highlighted the government's focus on the dangers posed by illegal e-rideables and that the results sent a clear message regarding anti-social and criminal behavior involving these devices.
Ongoing Measures and Public Engagement
Acting Inspector Gillis advised parents to understand the laws and risks associated with e-rideables, emphasizing the potential dangers they can pose to riders, pedestrians, and other road users if operated unsafely. Gillis also noted an increase in community confidence following the operation.
Starting this year, children under 16 will be prohibited from riding and storing e-rideables at public schools throughout Western Australia. Police plan to collaborate with schools to inform students and families about these regulations ahead of the 2026 school year.
Although Operation Moorhead has concluded, police confirmed they would continue patrols and respond to public reports regarding the unsafe use of e-rideables. The public is encouraged to report any incidents to police at 131 444 or submit anonymous information to Crime Stoppers via www.crimestopperswa.com.au or by calling 1800 333 000.