West Midlands Police seized a car and an illegal e-bike during an antisocial behaviour operation in Merry Hill, after reports of off-road bikes and vehicles being driven dangerously. The operation brought neighbourhood teams, the Traffic unit, Dudley Council’s specialist ASB drone officer and Merry Hill shopping centre security staff into one evening of patrols.
One vehicle was seized on Brierley High Street after the driver was found to have no insurance or licence and was driving unsupervised on a provisional licence. Officers also confiscated an illegal e-bike on Lodge Crescent in Netherton.
Qasim Ali on Merry Hill
Dudley Central Sergeant Qasim Ali said the operation produced positive results and that officers were working in marked and unmarked vehicles. “We know ASB is a concern for our residents and people who work in the Merry Hill area.”
“Joint operations like this, as we’ve shown here, can lead to positive results and us seizing the vehicles causing a nuisance for our locals and being that deterrent for anyone attempting to commit crime.” He also said, “You may not always see the work that officers and the teams are doing, but I want to reassure our communities that we are patrolling in both unmarked and marked vehicles and are actively listening to your concerns.”
Patrick Harley and Dudley Council
Councillor Patrick Harley said the operation showed how partnership working can be used to tackle antisocial behaviour and keep communities safe. He said council officers, West Midlands Police, Merry Hill security staff and specialist resources such as the drone team were able to take direct action against nuisance and disruption in the area. West Midlands Police seek witnesses after Haden Hill Park abduction
Harley added that the work was part of a focused week of activity, while Dudley Council said tackling antisocial behaviour is something it works on all year round. Ali said police can only act on the information they receive, and urged anyone with concerns around ASB in their area to come forward and report it to them.
