Holiday warning after hoard of stolen e-bikes uncovered

Australians have been warned to lock up their bikes and scooters over the holidays after police found stolen e-bikes at a man’s home.

A 37-year-old man has been charged after five stolen e-bikes, two e-scooters, a bicycle and drugs were allegedly found at his home in the Gold Coast suburb of Varsity Lakes.

Queensland Police said they were investigating thefts of e-bikes and e-scooters from nearby shopping centers when they searched his home on Christmas Eve.

The man is alleged to have stolen the battery from an e-bike at Varsity Lakes Station around lunchtime on November 30, before riding an e-bike from Burleigh Waters shopping center less than a week later.

Battery-powered vehicles have soared in popularity, with e-bike sales and imports nearly tripling in Australia since 2020, according to UNSW expert Milad Haghani.

Sergeant Alexander Collette asked drivers to eliminate the temptation for thieves and lock their vehicles.

“Thieves are opportunistic and will target bikes, scooters, vehicles and homes,” Sergeant Collette said.

“This serves as a reminder to make sure you lock and secure your bikes, scooters, vehicles and homes during the holidays.”

The 37-year-old man is expected to be charged with five counts of possession of suspected stolen property and two counts of theft in Coolangatta Magistrates’ Court in January.