IN response to complaints from residents of anti-social driving and speeding, police in Coventry seized 11 illegal cars, stopped and searched nine and chased a passenger who fled their vehicle.
Officers launched a crackdown to tackle road-related car crime last Saturday (April 10).
PS Dave Moore, from Henley and Longford Neighbourhood Policing Unit, said: “This operation was in response to concerns voiced within the community.
“We will continue listening to our local communities and taking action against issues that affect them the most.
“We want to make Coventry feel a safe place to live and work. Our officers and partner agencies helped make this proactive operation a success and we will continue to look at ways we can crackdown on criminal activity.”
A total of 43 vehicles were stopped, including 11 which were seized for having no insurance and tickets were issued to two different drivers for not wearing seat belts, police reported.
Nine cars were searched on suspicion of drugs offences, resulting in four people being given community resolutions for possession of Class B drugs.
One passenger attempted to run after officers pulled the car over, but he was detained after a short foot chase and on being searched was found to have cannabis on him and given a community resolution.
Local neighbourhood policing units joined forces with traffic and warrants officers for the intelligence-led day of action, which used Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to identify and intercept vehicles potentially involved in criminality.
Vehicles were brought back to check sites on Napier Street and at the Moat House Leisure Centre, where police conducted checks. Traffic officers were also out-and-about looking for suspect vehicles.
Partner agencies including the DVLA assisted with the operation, identifying areas where vehicles were without road tax.
