Riders caught 'wearing face coverings and removing registration plates' as part of police crackdown
Weapons and drugs were also seized as part of the Plymouth-based operation
Last updated 12 hours ago
Thirteen people have been arrested, with three stolen vehicles recovered and two cloned vehicles seized as part of a police crackdown around Plymouth.
The four-night operation targeted the theft of mopeds and motorcycles, as well as the anti-social and criminal use of motorcycles, e-scooters and e-bikes.
Police say four weapons were also recovered with more more than £2,000 in cash seized and 150 wraps of suspected crack cocaine and heroin discovered.
Chief Inspector Simon Jenkinson, Head of Roads Policing for Devon & Cornwall Police who led Operation Hyssop, said it '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'.
Using a SmartWater Data Tag Spray. officers were able to mark a suspect rider and avoid a potentially risky pursuit. Although the rider initially escaped, they were identified through the forensic marking and arrested the following day.
CI Jenkinson added: "These offenders often believe they can act with impunity by using off-road routes, wearing face coverings, removing registration plates or riding vehicles that should not be on our roads. Through a combination of specialist tactics, advanced technology and highly trained officers, we are proving that this is no longer the case.
"The results show just how effective we can be when we combine intelligence from local communities with information gathered by neighbourhood officers and specialist teams. That intelligence allows us to target the right people, in the right places, at the right time.
"I would like to thank the public for the information they continue to provide. Every report helps us build a clearer picture of who is involved and where offending is taking place.
"Our message to those who continue to ride illegally, dangerously or anti-socially is clear: you are running out of road. We will continue to identify you, pursue every lawful opportunity to stop you and take action to protect the public."