These Welsh cops really are tenacious! thats a lot of paperwork, I suppose though they can just get DVLA/VOSA to check out anything they want as well.. (SWP/HdC were collecting vehicle details at the Bettwys mountain rave despite it being out of their force area, some friends of mine spotted the unmarked vehicle which was at the rave driving into DVLA later that day!)
Asbo threat to 300 ‘car cruisers’
Up to 300 “car cruisers” have been issued with the first stages of Anti-social Behaviour Orders after mass meetings at car parks on Barry Island.
Hundreds of people from south Wales have been using the seaside resort as a meeting point, turning up in modified cars to race and carry out stunts.
Police say car parks became virtual no-go areas, with missiles thrown.
Some 100 officers attended a recent meet, and issued 300 with Asbo referrals in one night.
People as young as 17 and into their 40s were travelling from Bridgend, Nelson, Pontypridd, Cardiff, some in stolen vehicles, leading to complaints from local people about noise and intimidation.
There have been instances of car parks becoming virtually “no-go” areas whilst occupied by car cruisers
Sgt Jim Hall, South Wales Police
In a large-scale operation, codenamed Hummel, 100 officers attended one meeting. Entrances and exits to the car park were blocked and the 300 people at the event were issued with warnings and the first referral of an Asbo.
Four referrals have to be made before a full Asbo is issued.
Sgt Jim Hall, who led the operation for South Wales Police, said: “At times, in excess of 300 vehicles have gathered at locations.
“Their manner of driving en route to, at, and leaving the event is at times dangerous with excessive speed and lack of consideration for other road users.
“In addition, they are adversely affecting the quality of life of residents and other visitors to the area who can see and hear them.”
Flame-thrower device
He said that the operation was carried out following complaints from local people and of increased criminal behaviour at such events.
“There have been instances of car parks becoming virtually “no-go” areas whilst occupied by car cruisers and missiles have been thrown at police officers attending such events,” he said.
“Evidence of criminal damage to the car park facilities in Barry Island and damage to the car park surface from burnt-out vehicles has also been found.
“Not only that, stolen vehicles have been used to perform stunts for the enjoyment and amusement of spectators.
“A flame-thrower device was used to try and set alight one of the stolen vehicles which was subsequently abandoned.”
During the operation, police issued warnings to everyone at the event that if they attended any other unofficial car cruises in south Wales they could be arrested and their vehicle seized.
Officers are now working with some of those involved in the events to find alternative sites to hold official meetings.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/wales/south_east/4623724.stm
Published: 2006/01/18 13:07:30 GMT
© BBC MMVI
