Bike microchips - Are recovered stolen bikes routinely scanned for microchips

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.23.029401

I note you seek access to the following information:

1. Are recovered stolen bikes routinely scanned for microchips?
2. How many scanners are available to scan bikes?

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.

Please find below information pursuant to your request above.

Scanners are held by VRES and OVCU. Please see the separate responses below.

The following response is on behalf of MO11 – Vehicle Recovery & Examination Services (VRES). VRES are responsible for the recovery, storage, restoration and disposal of vehicles that are seized or removed by the Met Police.

Q1 - Are recovered stolen bikes routinely scanned for microchips?

Whether by “bikes” the applicant is referring to stolen recovered pedal cycles and eBikes or motorcycles and mopeds, we do not routinely scan these for microchips. We only routinely scan motorcycles and mopeds for microchips which are subject to an Auto-crime Examination. Such an examination is only conducted where we have identified that the vehicles identity has been altered or tampered with.

Q2 - How many scanners are available to scan bikes?

Two. We have one scanner at each of our car pounds.

The following response is on behalf of The Organised Vehicle Crime Unit (OVCU). The OVCU examine mainly stolen cloned bikes, and of these it’s mainly scooters.

Q1 - Are recovered stolen bikes routinely scanned for microchips?

They are not used as often now as the manufactures have moved away from placing microchips within bikes as they are now marked using the ‘Master Scheme’ on the panels of the bikes.
The scooters we have are often newer scoters and they don’t tend to have microchips in either.

Q2 - How many scanners are available to scan bikes?

We do have at least 2 scanners (between 3 staff)