Arrests Made and Vehicles Seized in Hedge End Police Crackdown on Nuisance Driving
Police in Hedge End have made several arrests and vehicle seizures as part of Operation Tranquility, an ongoing campaign aimed at tackling vehicle-related anti-social behaviour across the district.
On Friday, 24 October, officers from the Hedge End Neighbourhood Policing Team joined forces with colleagues from the Roads Policing Unit to carry out targeted patrols in areas identified by residents as hotspots for nuisance driving and dangerous riding.
During the operation, a 15 year old boy from West End was seen riding an e-scooter, which was later seized under Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.
After further investigation, the teenager was arrested on suspicion of several offences, including drug driving, possession of a Class B drug, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, failing to stop for police, and driving without insurance. He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.
Later the same evening, another vehicle was seized under the same legislation, and several drivers were issued tickets for no insurance and other moving traffic offences.
The crackdown followed an earlier arrest the day before, on Thursday, 23 October, when a 38 year old man was stopped on Grange Road in Netley.
Police arrested Romeo-Valentin Grigore, of no fixed address, who has since been charged with using a motor vehicle without third-party insurance and driving without due care and attention. He has been bailed to appear before Southampton Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 13 January.
Inspector Alex Lockyer, who leads the Hedge End Neighbourhood Policing Team, said the operation was launched in direct response to growing frustration among residents about anti-social vehicle use.
“In terms of continued anti-social behaviour, it is clear that vehicle nuisance, racing motorcycles and illegal use of e-bikes and scooters are causing misery and concerns to residents, other road users and pedestrians.
“In response to the increased reports of this nature we launched this campaign to target this specific issue.
“Operation Tranquility involves officers within the local Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) working closely with our colleagues within the Roads Policing Unit (RPU) to jointly tackle this problem.
“You can expect to see continued proactive patrols to disrupt this illegal activity and an increase in speed enforcement activity whilst we continue to work with our partners to continue to identify long term solutions.
“Please continue to report incidents to us. This directly informs our approach and where we will focus resourcing to tackle this issue and prevent further anti-social behaviour in our communities.
“As our officers continue their proactive patrols in the area, please do come over and speak to them. They will be happy to hear from you, discuss any concerns, answer questions and offer advice.”
Residents can report non-emergency incidents by calling 101 or visiting the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website. In an emergency, always dial 999. Anonymous information can also be shared via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.