Bedfordshire Police and National Police Air Service team up to clamp down on nuisance vehicles

We have joined forces with National Police Air Service (NPAS) this week to drive down the illegal and antisocial use of motorbikes, scooters, and other vehicles in central Bedfordshire.

The joint operation saw community policing officers covering the ground, patrolling areas where repeated issues had been reported in Dunstable, Houghton Regis, and Leighton Buzzard, while an NPAS helicopter provided surveillance and support from above.

Trained motorcyclists from Bedfordshire Police’s Operation Meteor team – the force’s dedicated response to nuisance motorbikes – were also on the road, ready to respond quickly to any incidents and reports of antisocial riding.

The harm that illegal and nuisance vehicles can cause to communities can be significant. In addition to endangering the public and other road users through reckless driving, these vehicles can cause disturbances and property damage, and may even be used for criminal endeavours such as transporting drugs.

During the two-day operation, two scooters were seized under S165 Road Traffic Act 1988. A man was also arrested for possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, while another was arrested for drug driving.

Bedfordshire Police Community Policing Inspector Jennifer Hurley said: “This operation was a unified effort to directly address concerns raised by residents regarding nuisance vehicles and antisocial behaviour.

“We fully recognise the detrimental impact that these issues have on the safety and wellbeing of our community. 

"We will continue to do all we can, seeking opportunities to team up with partner agencies where possible, to actively deter and disrupt the activities of those involved.

“Dedicated operations like these are made possible through reports and information submitted to us, so please continue to tell us about incidents and issues in the area, to enable us to allocate resources and take appropriate action.”

Report issues of antisocial behaviour through the force’s dedicated ASB online reporting form, or by calling police on 101.

Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.