Joint operation in Halesowen tackles antisocial behaviour with drones
The innovative patrol is aimed at reducing nuisance from off-road and electric bikes
Earlier this week, Halesowen neighbourhood officers collaborated with Project Guardian experts and Dudley Council to confront concerns about antisocial behaviour involving off-road and electric bikes.
Utilising intelligence that incidents were occurring after 4pm, teams patrolled hotspot areas like Stevens Park, Wollescote, and Homer Hill, Cradley to tackle the issue.
With Dudley Council’s ASB drone officer involved, the operation was more effective, allowing surveillance from the sky alongside physical patrols.
During the evening’s patrols, an e-bike was confiscated from a teenager lacking insurance or a licence, and a warning was issued to a man and a young boy using an underage mechanically propelled bike.
Halesowen Neighbourhood Sergeant Nichola Chester said: “We know the communities in Halesowen have concerns around the use off-road bikes and e-bikes that are not only causing a nuisance but also putting the riders and innocent people at risk of serious harm.
“By teaming up and carrying out joint operations like this with our council partners, it means we’ve got specialist equipment and skills available to us to find those breaking the law and causing misery for the public.
“We can only act on information we receive so residents help in reporting ASB incidents is vital in helping us combat the issues so we can take action.
“Targeted operations like this will continue and I would ask anyone with any concerns or information to speak to my officers at one of our beat surgeries or make a report by calling 101, or on our website.”
Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, added: “Antisocial behaviour is a scourge on our society, and we have heard from residents who are keen to see us take action against those who flout the rules and disrespect our communities.
“Dudley Council is working with partners and utilising groundbreaking technologies in the fight against ASB.
“As part of antisocial behaviour week, it’s great to see this week’s activity and I would like to praise all involved with it.”