Illegal riders ‘running out of road’ after major Plymouth police crackdown
A four-evening police operation in Plymouth has seen stolen and cloned vehicles recovered, weapons and suspected drugs seized, and dozens of riders targeted over dangerous and illegal activity
Devon police have made 13 arrests and seized 30 e-bikes and motorcycles during a four-evening operation targeting illegal and anti-social riding in Plymouth.
Operation Hyssop saw Devon and Cornwall Police carry out 28 hours of targeted enforcement aimed at motorcycle and moped theft, as well as the criminal and anti-social use of motorcycles, e-scooters and e-bikes.
Officers from Roads Policing were supported by the force's Drone Team and Dog Section, with activity focused on locations and individuals identified through police intelligence and information from members of the public.
Across the four evenings, officers also recovered three stolen vehicles and two cloned vehicles.
Police recorded 28 pursuits and issued 10 Section 59 warnings, which can allow vehicles to be seized when they are being used in a manner causing alarm, distress or annoyance.
Seven people were reported to court, while officers also recovered four weapons, more than £2,000 in cash and more than 150 wraps of suspected crack cocaine and heroin.
Offences detected during the operation included dangerous driving, vehicle theft, failing to stop for police, driving while disqualified, drink and drug driving, possession of offensive weapons and possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.
Police used drones and other specialist tactics during the operation.
SmartWater forensic marking technology was used to identify a suspect rider and avoid a potentially risky pursuit.
According to police, the rider initially escaped but was identified through the forensic marking and arrested the following day.
Chief Inspector Simon Jenkinson, Head of Roads Policing for Devon and Cornwall Police, said:
“Operation Hyssop demonstrates our determination to tackle those who steal motorcycles and mopeds, ride illegally and cause misery in our communities through dangerous and anti-social behaviour,” he said.
He said some offenders believed they could avoid police by using off-road routes, covering their faces, removing registration plates or riding vehicles which should not be on public roads.
However, specialist tactics, technology and trained officers were making it harder for offenders to avoid detection.
Chief Inspector Jenkinson also thanked members of the public for providing information to police, saying it helped officers identify those involved and target areas where offending was taking place.
He issued a warning to those who continue to ride illegally, dangerously or anti-socially: “You are running out of road.”
Police said the operation forms part of ongoing work to reduce harm, prevent crime and improve community safety.
Residents are being encouraged to report information about dangerous riding, stolen motorcycles, illegal e-bikes and anti-social vehicle use to Devon and Cornwall Police.
Information can be reported online or by calling 101. Anyone in immediate danger should call 999.