Latest news with #PoliceReformAct2002
Pembrokeshire Herald
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Police to crush e-scooters used in anti-social behaviour within 48 hours
Fast-track powers proposed to deliver swift justice and deter repeat offenders A NEW crackdown on anti-social driving in Wales could see vehicles such as e-scooters, quad bikes and off-road motorcycles seized and destroyed within 48 hours under plans unveiled by the UK Government. Currently, police forces must wait 14 days before disposing of vehicles used in anti-social behaviour. The proposed changes would slash that delay, aiming to stop offenders reclaiming their vehicles and reduce repeat offending. The new powers are being proposed as part of a wider UK Government consultation launched today (May 28), which seeks to fast-track the removal and disposal of nuisance vehicles from streets across Wales and England. As part of the consultation, ministers are also proposing to remove the requirement for police officers to issue a formal warning before seizing vehicles under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002. South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Emma Wools welcomed the move, saying: 'These new powers send a clear message to would-be offenders and local communities in Wales: swift justice will be delivered and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated. 'Sales of e-scooters and off-road bikes have rapidly increased, so today is an important step in tackling more serious crime in Wales, with the vehicles often used to facilitate drug dealing, organised acquisitive crime and serious violence.' The move comes as part of the UK Government's broader Plan for Change, which aims to increase police presence, clamp down on disruptive behaviour and deliver safer communities. It also follows an announcement that Wales will receive more than 150 new neighbourhood police officers by April 2026, with each neighbourhood having named and contactable officers by July next year. Jessica Morden, Labour MP for Newport East, said the measures would be welcomed by residents. 'I know today's announcement will be good news for many in Newport East, where concerns over the misuse of e-scooters are raised with me frequently,' she said. 'I introduced the E-scooters (Review and Awareness) Bill to Parliament last November because our laws lag behind other countries. Today's steps are a significant move in the right direction.' Public consultation now open The public consultation will run for six weeks until Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Proposals include: Reducing the vehicle disposal timeframe under the Police Reform Act 2002 from 14 days to 48 hours Reducing disposal times for uninsured or unlicensed vehicles (Road Traffic Act 1988) from 14 days to 7 days Aligning disposal timeframes for vehicles seized under trespass laws (Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994) Updating statutory charges for vehicle removal, storage and disposal The consultation is available at: – Vehicle removal, storage and disposal consultation
Pembrokeshire Herald
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Man arrested after late-night disturbance at Asda
Fast-track powers proposed to deliver swift justice and deter repeat offenders A NEW crackdown on anti-social driving in Wales could see vehicles such as e-scooters, quad bikes and off-road motorcycles seized and destroyed within 48 hours under plans unveiled by the UK Government. Currently, police forces must wait 14 days before disposing of vehicles used in anti-social behaviour. The proposed changes would slash that delay, aiming to stop offenders reclaiming their vehicles and reduce repeat offending. The new powers are being proposed as part of a wider UK Government consultation launched today (May 28), which seeks to fast-track the removal and disposal of nuisance vehicles from streets across Wales and England. As part of the consultation, ministers are also proposing to remove the requirement for police officers to issue a formal warning before seizing vehicles under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002. South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Emma Wools welcomed the move, saying: 'These new powers send a clear message to would-be offenders and local communities in Wales: swift justice will be delivered and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated. 'Sales of e-scooters and off-road bikes have rapidly increased, so today is an important step in tackling more serious crime in Wales, with the vehicles often used to facilitate drug dealing, organised acquisitive crime and serious violence.' The move comes as part of the UK Government's broader Plan for Change, which aims to increase police presence, clamp down on disruptive behaviour and deliver safer communities. It also follows an announcement that Wales will receive more than 150 new neighbourhood police officers by April 2026, with each neighbourhood having named and contactable officers by July next year. Jessica Morden, Labour MP for Newport East, said the measures would be welcomed by residents. 'I know today's announcement will be good news for many in Newport East, where concerns over the misuse of e-scooters are raised with me frequently,' she said. 'I introduced the E-scooters (Review and Awareness) Bill to Parliament last November because our laws lag behind other countries. Today's steps are a significant move in the right direction.' Public consultation now open The public consultation will run for six weeks until Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Proposals include: Reducing the vehicle disposal timeframe under the Police Reform Act 2002 from 14 days to 48 hours Reducing disposal times for uninsured or unlicensed vehicles (Road Traffic Act 1988) from 14 days to 7 days Aligning disposal timeframes for vehicles seized under trespass laws (Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994) Updating statutory charges for vehicle removal, storage and disposal The consultation is available at: – Vehicle removal, storage and disposal consultation
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Yahoo
Warning issued after moped gathering in town park
A moped rider has been issued an official police warning after the vehicle was used to cause alarm and distress in an Oxfordshire park. Abingdon police community support officers issued the warning last night after a large group of people gathered in Caldecott Park where a moped was being ridden. The Thames Valley Police officers issued a Section 59 under the Police Reform Act 2002, used when a vehicle is being used in a manner that causes alarm, distress or annoyance. READ MORE: Botley West plans questioned after Starmer's latest pledge The Section 59 applies a warning to both driver and vehicle for 12 months that if the behaviour continues or is repeated, the vehicle can be seized. In a busy night for the community support officers in Abingdon, a woman was arrested for aggravated trespass in the town centre. Stay connected to the heart of Oxford for less! 🚨 Our flash sale is ON: get trusted local news for just £5 for 5 months or 40 per cent off an annual subscription. Don't miss out — subscribe now! 🗞️👇 — Oxford Mail (@TheOxfordMail) April 29, 2025 The officers also attended a gathering of young people using drugs in the woods in Marcham, issued safeguarding referrals for young people in relation to underage drinking and using fake IDs, and responded to an instance of anti-social behaviour in Bury Street. READ MORE: Oxfordshire racing stable assistant found dead at home A community protection warning was issued to a man for "persistently begging in the town centre," the officers said. They also attended Tilsley Park after a report of a "suspicious male" flying a drone. Several meetings were held between police and groups in the community, including at Abingdon School, a public "Have Your Say" meeting in Radley, and a training session at Oxford Police Station in relation to young people.
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Yahoo
Police descend on Telford as drivers 'turn roads into racetrack' during car meet
A town's roads were 'turned into a race track' during a car meet in the Midlands, police say. Cars were seen 'driving at speed and in a dangerous manner' during the meet-up on Friday evening (April 25) in the Hortonwood area of Telford, Shropshire. One vehicle, a white Audi, was seized under of the Police Reform Act 2002 after officers saw it "driving in a dangerous manner causing concern," said a spokesperson for West Mercia Police. READ MORE: Man hospitalised after Wolverhampton canal attack in broad daylight Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp, click the link to join The driver will have to pay a fee to get their car returned, officers said. The Audi was pictured on the back of a flatbed lorry. Police noted that the majority of attendees were "well behaved", however, officers said "some used the roads as a racetrack". A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: "Following reports of anti-social-behaviour, police attended a car meet in Hortonwood on Friday evening. "One vehicle was seized under Section 59 legislation after officers witnessed the vehicle driving in a dangerous manner, causing concern. "Local police have pledged to continue cracking down on car meets that disrupt the community and pose risks to public safety. "Some cars were seen travelling at speed and driving in a dangerous manner. "The majority of the attendees were well behaved, but some used the roads as a racetrack. "One vehicle issued a section 59 last year was seen driving in a dangerous manner and because of the section 59 his car was seized and the driver will have to pay a release fee to get the car back, the section 59 will still be attached to the driver and vehicle should they continue in this manner the car would be seized again."
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Yahoo
Police increase powers in Greater Manchester town for two days after night of chaos
After a car meet brought chaos to Greater Manchester's roads, police in another part of the region have beefed up their powers to stop another taking place. A dispersal order has been issued by Greater Manchester Police in parts of Wigan for this weekend (March 15 and 16). Officers warn they will take action against anyone seen driving dangerous, carelessly or 'in an anti-social manner' - with such drivers running the risk of having their cars taken off them. The dispersal order has been slapped on Westwood Way and the Asda car park, on Robin Park. As well as driving offences, the order can be used to tackle anti-social behaviour, with police having powers to order people to move on. Police in Wigan used the same measure three weeks ago, with a two-day dispersal order issued to fend off any would-be weekend car meets on February 22 and 23. And officials in the town will be keen to avoid a repeat of scenes around Trafford and Manchester Airport last night (Thursday), after roads became gridlocked as an unauthorised car meet snaked through the area. A GMP Wigan spokesperson said: "A dispersal order will be in place over the weekend covering... the areas of Westwood Way and Asda Car Park Soho Street, Wigan. "There will be a police presence to enforce the order and positive action will be taken against any individual driving dangerously or carelessly and in an anti-social manner. "This includes having vehicles seized under the Police Reform Act 2002 and prosecution. "Furthermore, if you attend any car cruiser events at these locations, your vehicles registration will be noted, and your insurance company will be alerted. This can cause your insurance to increase or to be terminated and can be difficult to get insurance with another company. "A section 35 Dispersal Order also gives officers additional powers to deal with anti-social behaviour. Officers can issue you a notice to leave the area immediately. Failure to do so can lead to your arrest, or if you return to the area after already being issued a warning." Huge crowds gathered and engines revved loudly near Trafford Palazzo last night as a car meet got underway, while there was also severe congestion along Wilmslow Road and at the Manchester Airport tunnels. Greater Manchester Police has been approached for an update.
