Warning notices issued for anti-social vehicle use in Bishop’s Stortford

Five people have been issued with warning notices as part of ongoing efforts to tackle anti-social riding and driving in Bishop’s Stortford.

Tackling anti-social use of motor vehicles in the town centre area is a current local priority for the Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) and proactive patrols are being carried out to identify those involved.

As a result, several section 59 warning notices have been issued:

• On Wednesday 28 August, a 15-year-old boy was given a warning by PCSO Blanks for riding an electric e-scooter on the footpath in Sexton Road.
• On Friday 6 September, a 23-year-old man was given a warning by PCSO Blanks for driving a motor vehicle in a careless manner in Station Road, causing alarm and distress/annoyance to members of the public.
• On Saturday 7 September, a 33-year-old woman was given a warning by PCSO Blanks for riding a motorcycle along a footpath in Potter Street.
• During the early hours of Sunday 8 September, PC Anoliefo issued notices to two drivers in the Link Road area (a 19-year-old man and a 23-year-old man), for using a motor vehicle in a careless manner, causing alarm and distress/annoyance to members of the public.

A section 59 warning notice applies to both the rider/driver and the vehicle they are using at the time. If caught again, they could have their vehicle seized under the Police Reform Act and face further action for road traffic offences.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Andy Crow said: “We know this issue is causing a lot of concern among the community and we have therefore made it a local policing priority.

“We’re doing everything we can to identify those involved, issue warnings and seize vehicles.

“Information from members of the public is key and we’d ask people to please keep reporting this to us. If you know who these riders/drivers are, or where vehicles are being kept, please tell us. Additionally, if you have any images or footage, please share them with police directly.

“While it may seem frustrating that riders and drivers are not always being caught on the spot, building up solid intelligence will still allow us to take retrospective action, including seizing vehicles and making arrests wherever possible.”

You can report information online, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form.