Several vehicles were seized and vital safety advice shared during a targeted evening operation in Lichfield city centre, aimed at tackling antisocial behaviour and dangerous driving.
Led by the Lichfield District Community Safety Partnership, the recent operation saw our officers, Staffordshire Police, the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) and parking enforcement officers working together to check vehicles and support public safety.
Stationed in Cross Keys, and later in Lichfield Bus station on Birmingham Road, officers seized one car for having no tax or valid insurance, another because the driver did not have a valid driving licence or insurance, and they arrested a man for whom a warrant has been issued.
Three vehicles had to remove illegal tinted windows, an off-road motorcycle was found to be unroadworthy and could not be ridden and two 15-year-olds were returned home to their families for their own safety as they were intoxicated.
Four immediate prohibition notices were issued on vehicles where tyre tread was below the legal limit, another was issued for inoperative power steering. There was one delayed prohibition notice on a vehicle which was displaying an illuminated malfunction indicator light.
Four Penalty Charge Notices were also issued for parking offences during the operation which continued into the evening with a Safer Nights stall on Bird Street, where officers offered personal safety advice, including anti drink-spiking devices, to people out enjoying the city’s night-time economy.
Councillor Richard Cox, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, added:
“I want to thank our officers and all the partners involved in this important operation.
“Ensuring the safety of Lichfield District’s residents and visitors is a top priority. Antisocial behaviour and the use of unsafe vehicles will not be tolerated.”
Our Community Safety Officer Stuart White said:
“We arranged this operation in response to public concerns about nuisance vehicles and antisocial behaviour in the city centre and supports Lichfield city’s Purple Flag status. By working together officers from across the community safety partnership were able to identify and remove vehicles that posed a risk to others and help keep our community safe.”
This operation is part of the Community Safety Partnership’s ongoing commitment to protecting the public, tackling crime and disorder, and creating a safer Lichfield District, especially during busy evening periods.