9% reduction in vehicle related anti-social behaviour

Last October, Operation Octane was launched to prevent, deter and tackle anti-social behaviour involving the use of vehicles. This was a collaborative approach by police and partner agencies to improve and maintain community safety. Although there are multiple aspects to the operation, an integral part was the implementation of an escalation model designed to tackle vehicle related anti-social behaviour (ASB).

The model involves an initial warning letter being issued for a first offence. Further incidents can result in a second warning letter, Community Protection Warnings and Community Protection Notices. It can then lead to Criminal Behaviour Orders or injunctions, which if breached can lead to arrests.

Between April 2023 (the introduction of the escalation model) and September 2024, only 14% of drivers who were issued with an initial warning letter have chosen to go on and reoffend, with 4% then receiving a Community Protection Warning.

When compared to the previous year*, the average number of reports of vehicle related ASB has reduced by 9%. The number of large car meets (over 30 vehicles involved) has dramatically dropped from a peak of eight in March 2024 to zero in August and September.

Inspector Will Drummond, from the Roads and Armed Policing Team said: “We have seen how effective early intervention can be. Our initial warnings have encouraged positive behaviour change and led to fewer instances of vehicle related ASB.”

In partnership with Norfolk County Council, local district councils and National Highways, we have delivered a dynamic strategy for dealing with and preventing future vehicle related ASB.

Local councils have worked to secure Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs). These orders impose conditions in the areas they apply to ensure that all members of the public can enjoy public spaces and feel safe from ASB. PSPOs are now district wide in Norwich, South Norfolk and Broadland. Gt Yarmouth & Kings Lynn are partly covered and a Thetford order is currently in the consultation phase.

Broadland District Council Cabinet member, Cllr Jan Davis said: “The Council introduced a Public Spaces Protection Order in April which has proved to be a huge success. We have seen a substantial reduction in incidents of vehicle-related ASB and following the first-stage warning letters being sent out we have not been made aware of a repeat of this unacceptable behaviour.

“This is a really good example of the benefits to our residents of multi-agency working.”

South Norfolk Councillor, Keith Kiddie added: “We do not want to deter the many people who enjoy getting together to socialise and talk about their shared passion for cars. This is about working with Norfolk Constabulary, to put a stop to a particular kind of anti-social behaviour that our communities were experiencing. The safety of our residents is of paramount importance to the Council and this has been a really successful example of joint working.”

As a part of this project, an acoustic recognition camera has been fitted in Great Yarmouth. This camera monitors vehicle noise and is triggered when the noise reaches a certain decibel level, recording audio and footage including registration plates.

Sgt Dan Smith of the Great Yarmouth Operational Partnership Team said: “Since the Acoustic Recognition Camera was installed in the summer it has been a great asset to road safety and tackling anti-social behaviour in the area. 

“We have already managed to identify 26 road users to receive educational letters regarding their conduct and one driver has admitted to driving in a careless and inconsiderate manner, receiving a fine and points on their license. 

“At the same time, we’ve been working with Great Yarmouth Borough Council to highlight any breaches of the PSPO. None of these incidents would have been enforced if this camera was not in place.”

The work within Operation Octane will continue, as although reports have reduced, we still receive concerns from communities about disruption in their area. If you are experiencing any vehicle related ASB, please contact police on 101 recording as much information (registration plates etc) as is safe to do so.

*There has been a 9% reduction in reports made to police relating to vehicle related ASB when comparing the period of 1 October 2022- 30 September 2023 and 1 October 2023 to 30 September 2024.