The operation, which took place on Friday 12 June, saw local policing teams working alongside specialist road harm prevention units, supported by the National Police Air Service (NPAS) plane funded by the City of Wolverhampton Council.
Officers from the Bilston and East Park teams carried out proactive activity to address concerns raised by residents about anti social behaviour linked to off road bikes. The coordinated approach, combining ground patrols and aerial support, led to significant results including arrests, seized vehicles and the recovery of suspected stolen bikes. A 29 year old man has since been charged with dangerous driving and failing to stop for officers and will appear before Dudley Magistrates Court on 14 July.
This joint work forms part of ongoing efforts between the police and the council to reduce anti social behaviour, improve community safety and respond directly to issues raised by local people. Further targeted operations will continue across the city.
Councillor Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: “This operation shows what we can achieve when the council and police work closely together to respond to concerns from our communities. By funding the police plane and supporting targeted enforcement like this, we are helping officers take real action against dangerous and anti social behaviour.
“We know the misuse of off road bikes can cause real distress and put people at risk, which is why we are committed to continuing this joint work to keep our neighbourhoods safe and ensure those responsible are held to account.”
Bilston and East Park Sergeant Lindsey Ward, who heads up Wolverhampton’s dedicated operation targeting off road bikes, OpDriftcloud, said: “This operation has seen some great results, but it isn’t a one off.
“We will keep running operations like this until those who are causing issues for the local community get the message, that they’ll not get away with making people’s lives a misery and causing harm.”
People who see something suspicious are asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
