STATEN ISLAND, New York (WABC) — It was a crushing scene on Staten Island, literally.<\/p>\n
The NYPD and Sanitation Department crushed 200 illegal mopeds and scooters seized around New York City.<\/p>\n
The NYPD said it has seized 5,700 illegal scooters and mopeds in 2026, up nearly 10% from the same time last year.<\/p>\n
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the vehicles were unregistered, uninsured or carrying fake or altered plates.<\/p>\n
She called them a public safety issue and said they are often used in connection with crime.<\/p>\n
Last month, a 7-month-old girl was killed by gunfire from suspects on a moped.<\/p>\n
“When we remove the tools that criminals use to escape accountability, we make it harder for them to operate in the first place,” Tisch said.<\/p>\n
She said the NYPD will use every tool available to keep New Yorkers safe.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Borough President Vito Fossella said the bikes have been an issue plaguing law-abiding Staten Islanders.<\/p>\n
“They should be on notice that we know who you are and the NYPD will be coming for you, so stop what you are doing because your vehicle may end up here in the next crush,” Fossella said.<\/p>\n
The illegal mopeds and scooters crushed during Wednesday’s event will be turned into scrap metal.<\/p>\n
———-<\/p>\n
* More Staten Island news<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n * Send us a news tip<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts<\/a><\/strong> <\/p>\n * Follow us on YouTube<\/a><\/strong> <\/p>\n
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News<\/p>\n