Police are investigating damage caused to new ebikes in Duthie Park after four of them were reported vandalised.
Officers confirmed a number of the homeless charity’s ebikes have been found damaged this morning in Aberdeen.
Photographs show the bikes dumped in the dark in Duthie Park.
A police spokesman said: “We were called around 6.40am on Sunday, November 13, to a report of Ebikes being vandalised in Duthie Park, Aberdeen.
“Inquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible.”
Concerns about ebikes vandalism
The ebike project was created through a partnership with Big Issue and Norwegian bike hire company ShareBike, who have more than 20 years’ experience in rental projects.
Big Issue ebikes partnered up with Aberdeen City Council to bring hundreds of rentable electric bicycles to the granite city.
Last week, 200 ebikes arrived in Aberdeen across 40 locations, with the chief executive of ShareBike travelling from Norway to oversee their launch.
However, concerns were raised about their security after Bristol’s rental project had to end due to “relentless vandalism.”
Chief executive Jan Endresen described vandalism as his “biggest fear” about the Aberdeen project.
Mr Endresen confirmed they are now working alongside the police after he says a number of bikes were also destroyed and abandoned in Torry.
“We are sorry that a sustainable bike system that is meant to help the weakest in society is the victim of such vandalism.
“However, we have observations from last weekend, and particularly on Friday night when two youth gangs destroyed a number of bicycles that were abandoned in Torry.
“We will work with the police to find the culprits and will report anyone caught destroying the bikes to the police.
“At the same time, we encourage everyone in Aberdeen to help us find bikes that have gone astray and report this to our social media or by email to support@bigissue.bike.”
Aberdeen City Council have been approached for comment.
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