Police to acquire ‘Ghostbuster’ weapon to prevent electric bikes from being used in crimes

British police could soon be equipped with a groundbreaking device that could immobilise criminals using e-bikes to help them get away with their crimes faster.

The Ghostbusters-style weapon will fire electromagnetic beams that disable the motors of scooters and e-bikes used to commit crimes.

Gavin Stephens, chairman of the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), said the device was in development and could be in use within months, The Guardian newspaper reported.

They fit into a backpack, reminiscent of the Ghostbuster devices used in popular science-fiction films.

Mr Stephens told a news conference: “The idea is basically to disrupt the electric motor and trick it into thinking it is overheating.

“It sends a signal to confuse the electric motor. All these electric motors apparently have a built-in safety system that turns off if it thinks it’s overheating.

“It’s like a giant backpack right now.”

While e-bikes and scooters are used by many for eco-friendly travel, some thieves use them to accelerate while stealing phones and committing other crimes.

Last month, London police issued an appeal following dozens of mobile phone thefts by suspects riding high-speed electric bikes in the West End.

Work on the new tool is supervised by the Defense Science and Technology Laboratory, managed by the Ministry of National Defense.

The way the system works is that it tricks the engine into thinking it is overheating and as a result, it stops.

But for it to work, it needs line of sight, Stephens said at the briefing.

Police already have technology that can remotely stop cars using radio and electromagnetic waves, but officers hope the device will help fight crimes committed using other vehicles.