Police seize e-bike and car in drone operation against anti-social behaviour in Dudley
Bike and car seized in joint operation to tackle anti-social behaviour
Police have seized a car and an illegal e-bike in a joint operation with Dudley Council’s specialist drone operator and security staff at a shopping centre.
The vehicles were seized following ‘countless reports’ of anti-social behaviour in the area around the Merry Hill shopping centre at Brierley Hill.
Police said they had received reports of vehicles revving their engines and illegal off-road bikes and other vehicles being driven in a dangerous and anti-social way.
“With the help of the drone being our eyes in the sky and officers and partners out on foot and in vehicles, the teams were able to spot those breaking the law and committing anti-social behaviour,” said a police spokesman.
During the operation last week, a vehicle was seized after the driver was found to have no insurance, no licence, and was driving without supervision on a provisional licence in Brierley High Street.
An illegal e-bike was also taken off the streets in Lodge Crescent, Netherton.
The teams carried out high-visibility patrols in the area and spoke to the community about the operation giving out advice on the dangers of off-road bikes and police work to tackle anti-social behaviour.
Sergeant Qasim Ali, of Dudley Central police, said: “We know anti-social behaviour is a concern for our residents and people who work in the Merry Hill area.
“Joint operations like this, as we’ve shown here, can lead to positive results and us seizing the vehicles causing a nuisance for our locals and being that deterrent for anyone attempting to commit crime.
“You may not always see the work that officers and the teams are doing, but I want to reassure our communities that we are patrolling in both unmarked and marked vehicles and are actively listening to your concerns.”
Sgt Ali said officers were listening to their communities and the reports being made to us, but could only act on the information they received.
He urged anyone with concerns about anti-social behaviour to report it to police.
Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said: "This operation demonstrates just how effective partnership working can be in tackling anti-social behaviour and keeping our communities safe.
“By bringing together council officers, West Midlands Police, Merry Hill security staff and specialist resources such as our drone team, we were able to take direct action against those causing nuisance and disruption in the area.”
The operation formed part of a week-long crackdown on anti-social behaviour, which also saw similar operations in Wollescote and Cradley.
Councillor Harley added: "While this was a focused week of activity, it's important to stress that tackling anti-social behaviour is something we work on all year round.