'BOY RACERS' WARNED OF POLICE ACTION
31st May, 2005
POLICE are warning reckless drivers they face losing their vehicles if they misbehave in the car parks around a busy Co Durham town.
Officers in Chester-le-Street have issued the uncompromising message after taking tough action against young motorists performing stunts and gathering in large numbers at a nearby retail centre.
They suspect the clampdown on activities at the Arnison Centre in Pity Me may have sent the 'boy racers' up the road to Chester-le-Street in an effort to find other venues for their antics.
Over the past few months police have received an increasing number of complaints regarding the manner in which vehicles are being driven at the Riverside and town centre car parks. It comes in the wake of similar complaints from residents living near the Arnison Centre, where at times up to 300 cars were gathering on weekend evenings.
One aspect of the clampdown has seen the erection of barriers around the Arnison Centre parking area, which come into operation from tomorrow, Wednesday 1st June. Police anticipate this latest development may spark a further exodus up the A167.
Local beat officers and PCSOs (police community support officers) will be working alongside their colleagues in the road policing section to nip any problems in the bud.
Patrols are being stepped up and formal written warnings will be handed out where appropriate, with repeat offenders facing the prospect of having their vehicles seized and crushed. Tickets will also be issued under a local off-street parking order put in place by Chester-le-Street district council.
"The aim of this operation is to combat anti-social behaviour by young drivers and its associated problems," said PC Steve BROWN.
"We suspect the use of the barriers at the Arnison Centre may lead to an influx of vehicles heading into Chester-le-Street in search of thrills. However, anyone tempted to do so should realise the police will be out in force and will not hesitate to take action."
The action is being taken under the banner of the force's ongoing 'StreetSafe' initiative, launched just over a year ago to tackle anti-social behaviour and reduce the fear of crime.
