Crackdown on Vehicle Nuisance and Anti-Social Behaviour as Summer Holidays Begin
With schools now out for summer and longer, lighter evenings in full swing, local police have stepped up patrols and operations to tackle a rise in anti-social behaviour (ASB) across Hedge End, Botley, West End, Netley Abbey, and surrounding areas.
The increase in ASB is part of a predictable seasonal trend, driven by warmer weather, increased free time for young people, and fewer structured activities during the holidays. While most young people are enjoying their break safely, police say they have already seen signs of disruptive behaviour — including underage drinking, substance misuse, and nuisance gatherings.
However, one issue has drawn particular concern from residents: vehicle nuisance and illegal street racing.
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Late-Night Racing Plagues Residential Streets
Between 9pm and 3am, residents have reported being kept awake by the sound of revving engines, speeding cars, and racing motorbikes. Reports have flooded in from Tollbar Way, Maunsell Way, Botley Road, Grange Road, Woodhouse Lane, Winchester Road, Boorley Park, Botley, West End, Netley Abbey through to Weston shore, and other residential streets.
Police warn that the issue is not only disruptive but also dangerous.
“Imagine being regularly sleep-deprived because selfish individuals choose to race through residential areas, many that are 30mph zones,” a spokesperson from the local Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) said. “This behaviour can be very noisy, likely to be
dangerous, and affecting residents.”
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Targeted Patrols and High-Tech Tactics
To combat the issue, the NPT has joined forces with Special Constables, Roads Policing Officers (RPU), the DPT Response Team, and even the Air Support Unit (ASU), deploying both marked and unmarked vehicles at known hotspots.
The team has also been using drones to monitor activity from the air — a strategy that has already begun yielding results.
On Friday evening, a police drone operated between 7pm and the early hours of Saturday morning. While most roads remained quiet, officers were able to:
• Identify and disperse a group of speeding vehicles on Tollbar Way
• Track three racing motorbikes on Woodhouse Lane, all of which were stopped and dealt with
• Stop a suspicious vehicle, where the driver was required to provide a breath specimen
Police reminded the public that refusal to provide a breath sample is an arrestable offence that may result in prosecution.
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Residents Urged to Report All Vehicle ASB
The public plays a crucial role in helping police target their resources effectively. Officers are asking residents to report any incidents of vehicle-related nuisance, even if they don’t witness the behaviour directly.
“You dont have to see it happening, just hearing it is enough,” the police spokesperson said. “Working together we can tackle this type of ASB.”
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How to Report
Residents can report ASB through multiple channels:
• Call 101 (non-emergency)
• Dial 999 in an emergency
• Online reporting: via the Hampshire Constabulary website
• Crimestoppers (anonymous): 0800 555 111
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The operation is ongoing, with officers promising continued visibility in key areas over the summer.