THUGS using e-scooters to commit crimes and escape arrest could be stopped by a high-tech jamming device.

       Electric scooters, which are illegal to use in public in the UK unless they are rented from a licensed operator, have increasingly been used to commit shoplifting, assaults and drug-dealing.

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       A high-tech jamming device could be used to stop thugs using e-scooters in muggings Credit: Getty Images

       Latest figures show a 50-fold increase in the number of crimes committed using e-scooters this year.

       Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), part of the Ministry of Defence asked top scientists to develop technology for cops to stop moving e-scooters by remotely jamming them and to prevent stationary ones from being ridden away.

       The device will be portable so police can use them from highways to town centres.

       GPS chips will also be created for e-scooters to help track them down if used by thugs and the technology can be targeted at a specific e-scooter without affecting others in the same area.

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       DASA, a top-secret government lab ordered by Priti Patel to develop this technology, said in a statement: ‘Lawfully used e-scooters have many positive benefits, such as portability and eco-friendliness.

       'However, when used unlawfully, UK policing faces several challenges when trying to bring these vehicles to a controlled stop, without risk to the rider, public, or police officers.’

       Latest figures from the Department of Transport show that e-scooter riders injured 100 road users and pedestrians last year, including 21 cyclists, 22 in vehicles and 57 pedestrians.