Norfolk police launch new operation to tackle anti-social behaviour at car meets
They say meets can involve in excess of 300 cars and over 500 people
Norfolk Police are launching what they call a 'new approach' to anti-social behaviour around car meets in the county.
The force says they've seen a steady rise in incidents related to car meets, which often involve hundreds of cars gathering.
They say meets can involve in excess of 300 cars and over 500 people, which poses a significant risk to road safety and the wider community.
At some events, some drivers will perform actions such as speeding, ‘doughnuts’ and inappropriate parking.
Now, in a bid to tackle this, Norfolk Police, in partnership with Norfolk County Council, have launched Operation Octane, which they say has been developed to encourage positive engagement between officers and those attending car meets to engage, offer education and where appropriate; prosecution for those choosing to commit offences.
The operation will follow an escalation model, meaning initial warning letters may be issued following a first incident.
Further incidents can result in Community Protection Warnings and Community Protection Notices, which can then lead to Community Behaviour Orders or injunctions, which, if breached can lead to arrests.
291 warning letters have been sent so far this year, with 22 follow up letters and 16 Community Protection Warnings. Two Community Protection Notices have also been issued in 2023.
Details of those who are offending may also be passed onto their insurers which will affect their premiums and may lead to policy refusal.
Inspector Will Drummond, from the Roads and Armed Policing Team said: “Our focus isn’t and never will be genuine car enthusiasts. This operation directly targets those who are a threat to the safety of their local community.
“These individuals make up a very small percentage of those who attend car meets but the disruption they cause is felt by many.
“Taking risks behind the wheel will not be tolerated in Norfolk. Operation Octane will work to prosecute those who drive to a poor standard in our county and prevent them from interrupting organised car meets.”