Dedicated police operation to tackle nuisance vehicles

Police have been actively targeting nuisance vehicles in Dunstable and Houghton Regis this week, as part of a dedicated operation to combat the illegal and antisocial use of motorbikes, scooters and other vehicles.

Operation Skytree, which took place on Wednesday (23 October), led to the arrest of two individuals on suspicion of driving, drug and weapon offences, as well as the seizure of four vehicles, quantities of suspected Class A and Class B drugs, counterfeit money, two samurai-style swords and a knife.

The operation was launched in response to reports of ongoing issues in the area, including drug dealing, vehicle crime, and theft – much of which involved offenders using bikes and scooters.

One of the key aims was to build an intelligence picture around prolific offenders and disrupt their criminal activities and antisocial behaviour.

Community policing and roads policing officers were carrying out high-visibility patrols in areas where bikes and scooters are common, alongside plain-clothes officers and unmarked cars patrolling the streets to ‘spot’ offences.

All-terrain vehicles from Bedfordshire Police’s Rural Crime Action Team were also on hand to provide an off-road capability where normal vehicles can’t go.

PC Tom Sharp from the force's South Central Community Policing team, who led the operation, said: “We know this sort of activity is really concerning for residents and we want to assure them we are committed to addressing these issues.

“This week’s effort has led to arrests and the removal of significant quantities of drugs and cash from the hands of local criminals.

“But this is not just a one-day operation, and we will continue to take robust action, using every tool and tactic at our disposal, to tackle nuisance vehicles and associated criminal activity that cause misery to our communities.”

Incidents and concerns can be reported via the force’s dedicated ASB online reporting tool or by calling police on 101.

Always call 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.