POLICE could soon be upgrading their truncheons to something a bit more hi-tech as they literally try to keep up with the changing face of crime.
The ‘experimental’ technology, which has been likened to the ghost-lassoing proton pack from Ghostbusters, could soon be in use on the streets to stop naughty little Slimers whizzing around on e-scooters.
This system works by sending an electromagnetic pulse towards an e-bike or e-scooter that’s suspected of being used in criminal activity.
It triggers a signal that disrupts the electric motor’s function, tricking it into thinking it is overheating. An integrated safety mechanism then stops the motor working and the scooter from moving.
Gavin Stephens, chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said the device could be in operation within months.
“It’s like a ginormous backpack. Basically, it interferes with the electric motor, to trick the electric motor into thinking it is overheating,” he said while not wearing an all-white boiler suit.
E-scooters, which can reach up to 80mph, are being increasingly used by criminals. More than 20,000 crimes were reported across the UK in the last three years, an increase of 60 per cent, police data has revealed.
A large number of riders have been found to be carrying weapons and many pedestrians have been run down by these unlicensed vehicles.
The high-tech mode of transport is actually banned on British roads if they are privately owned, despite being readily available to buy from numerous retailers.
