A joint operation by the Metropolitan Police and Immigration Enforcement in Ealing last month (25 October 2025) led to a mass seizure of mopeds, scooters and electric bikes, as authorities targeted food delivery riders suspected of working illegally or using unsafe vehicles.
Patrols were carried out on Uxbridge Road on the Saturday following reports of unregistered mopeds, reckless driving and riders operating without the right to work in the UK. Officers stopped a number of delivery drivers for checks, detaining several on suspicion of immigration and licensing offences.
In a statement to EALING.NEWS, the Metropolitan Police confirmed details of the operation and said: “Met officers carried out a proactive operation in Ealing on Saturday, 25 October, targeting people committing motoring offences.
“Between 15:00hrs and 18:00hrs, officers seized 18 e-bikes, scooters and mopeds suspected of being used illegally, with a total of 25 tickets issued for a range of traffic offences.
“Immigration officers were also involved, making five arrests for various breaches and other immigration-related offences.
“Following the activity, officers deployed in marked and unmarked vehicles across Ealing to conduct further patrols, during which another two vehicles were seized and one person, a man in his 20s, was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and having no insurance.
“This was the first operation of its kind in Ealing, marking a significant step in tackling illegal vehicle use and associated criminality.”
Steve Chilcott, chair of the Ealing branch of Reform UK, who observed part of the operation, said the problem had become increasingly visible in the area. He said: “What we’re seeing here in Ealing mirrors a national issue. Too many delivery drivers are working without insurance, licences or the legal right to work. That’s not just illegal – it’s unfair to those who play by the rules and it puts the public at risk.”
He added that locals regularly reported seeing riders speeding along pavements or running red lights: “It’s become a safety hazard for families, pedestrians and lawful riders alike.”
Some riders were believed to be using “account sharing” – a practice where individuals without the legal right to work use delivery app accounts registered to others. Mr Chilcott described this as “a serious exploitation of labour law, and a black-market system hiding in plain sight”.
He said delivery companies needed to strengthen ID verification and vehicle checks: “Those who obey the law are losing out to people working off the books. The rules must apply to everyone – fairly and consistently.”
Mr Chilcott added that more raids by the Met Police and Immigration Enforcement need to be done in the borough: “Ealing residents deserve safe streets, fair work and proper enforcement. This can’t be a one-off crackdown.”
