Basingstoke officers seize three vehicles and continue to tackle anti-social behaviour at unauthorised car meets

Officers in Basingstoke have continued their efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour linked to unauthorised car meets in the town and seized three vehicles last night.

During an operation on Sunday 11 December, officers checked more than 20 vehicles through police systems across the town.

Three vehicles were seized due to having no insurance (see images).

A vehicle that had bald tyres was prohibited and must not be used, while one motorist was stopped for not having a driving licence.

One car did not have vehicle tax and two people were dealt with at the scene for not wearing seatbelts.

Officers found two vehicles had illegal tinted windows. The tints were voluntarily removed by vehicle owners following engagement with officers.

During a stop, a small amount of cannabis was seized and a man was dealt with by way of a community resolution.

Meanwhile, a 27-year-old man from Tadley was arrested on suspicion of an immigration offence. He has been dealt with by Immigration Enforcement.

As part of the operation, officers engaged with around 30 motorists who had gathered at the Leisure Park on Euskirchen Way.

Motorists were spoken with and advice was given regarding modifications they had made to their vehicles.

Intelligence was gathered during the operation and S59 warnings may be issued at a later date.

S59 warnings are issued to both the driver and vehicle when used in a manner causing alarm, distress and annoyance. If either are subsequently stopped, then a seizure may take place.

Chief Inspector Scott Johnson, District Commander for Basingstoke, said: “I’m pleased with the results of last night’s operation and glad that our presence is having a positive impact following reports of anti-social behaviour linked to unauthorised car meets in the town.

“Since the force operation relating to unauthorised car meets, known as Op Chromium, was set up earlier this year, officers have been proactively monitoring information and intelligence to help us build a picture of what is happening.

“We know the significant impact these kind of incidents are having on our community and I would like to reassure local residents that we take any report of anti-social use of vehicles extremely seriously.

“I hope the results of last night’s operation will highlight how seriously we are taking this and that it acts as a reminder that anti-social behaviour and anti-social use of vehicles will not be tolerated in Basingstoke.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones said: “These results are a great example of the police, councils and the public working together to crack down on the anti-social and illegal use of vehicles.

“I had a partnership meeting last week with local councillors, the local MP and the police in order to make sure we were able to effectively disrupt these planned unauthorised car meets. 

“These meets cause communities serious concerns, and can be anti-social and very dangerous. A number of vehicles were being driven illegally and I am pleased to see police take serious action this weekend, cracking down on those breaking the law, and warning others about the consequences.

“Thanks to Councillor Simon Bound for raising this issue, Chief Inspector Scott Johnson for making sure his officers took action, and moreover thank you to the community for reporting the issues and sharing information.”

Officers are continuing to appeal to the public for any information relating to anti-social behaviour linked to unauthorised car meets.

If you have concerns or information on any criminal activity taking place, please contact us on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

We are encouraging residents to report any anti-social vehicle use and people can fill in personal impact statements.

Statements can be submitted by emailing: [email protected]

You can also report vehicle crime through Hants SNAP, which is a police initiative aimed at dealing with alleged road traffic offences.

For more information, visit https://www.hampshire.police.uk/police-forces/hampshire-constabulary/areas/hants-snap/hantsnap/hants-snap---report-an-incident/