Day of action to combat vehicle crime in south Bedfordshire

Our campaign against vehicle crime in and around Houghton Regis and Dunstable moved forward with a targeted day of action on Friday.

More than 15 officers were involved, carrying out high-visibility patrols supported by off-road bikes.

Plain clothes officers and unmarked cars were also used to identify offenders and obtain evidence and intelligence for further operations.

As part of the operation a quantity of Class B and C drugs were recovered, one car was seized for no insurance and three Section 59 warnings over driving behaviour were issued.

It is part of Operation Skytree, the force’s continuing campaign against the anti-social behaviour around vehicles which can often make life a misery for local people and is frequently linked to drugs offending.

While originally focussing on e-bikes, scooters and motorbikes, the operation has been expanded to incorporate crime associated with four-wheel vehicles which can extend to violent crime and weapons offences.

PC Tom Sharp, who leads on Operation Skytree, said: “We know how this behaviour affects local communities and we are determined to keep up the pressure on these offenders.

“As the days get longer the amount of anti-social behaviour can increase and so we are stepping up our activity, providing reassurance for local residents.

“Though this is a specific day of action we are continuously targeting the people who carry out anti-social behaviour, trying to make life as difficult as possible, as well as developing an intelligence picture so we can further disrupt their activities”

Police and Crime Commissioner, John Tizard says combatting anti-social behaviour is a clear priority.

“I know that anti-social behaviour causes irritation and worse for communities across our county,” he said.

“Tackling anti-social behaviour is a one of my core missions. This must never be regarded as a so called 'low level' crime.

“I am pleased that we are enhancing our community police capacity, with anti-social behaviour a key focus. There will be a senior police officer responsible for addressing anti-social behaviour.

“However, this is a not a matter for the police alone. I am calling on our local authority partners to step up. They must ensure that their community safety teams are addressing this problem too and should not reduce their enforcement teams.”