British police are set to be equipped with an innovative device designed to stop e-bikes and e-scooters used in criminal activities. This 'Ghostbusters-style' electromagnetic weapon, which is still under development, can shut down engines by making them believe they are overheating. Gavin Stephens, chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), revealed that the device mimics a large backpack and disrupts the electric motor's function by sending a confusing signal. It necessitates a direct line of sight to be effective and is expected to be operational within a few months. This technology builds on existing capabilities to remotely disable cars and is being developed in conjunction with the Defence Science and Technology Lab, part of the Ministry of Defence. This initiative comes in response to a spike in mobile phone thefts by criminals using high-speed e-bikes, especially noted by the City of London Police in the West End.
British Police to Use Ghostbusters-Style Technology to Stop E-Bikes and E-Scooters in Criminal Activities
The National Police Chiefs’ Council is developing an electromagnetic weapon resembling a large backpack to disable engines of e-bikes and e-scooters. The technology, expected to be operational soon, disrupts electric motors by creating confusion, requiring direct line of sight to function effectively. This initiative is a response to a rise in mobile phone thefts involving high-speed e-bikes, particularly in London's West End.