On Saturday (10 January), officers from Barrow’s Neighbourhood Policing team carried out an operation to target road safety, anti-social use of bikes, and drug supply on Barrow Island and Walney.
These issues have been raised as priority concerns by residents in the area.
During activity throughout the day, officers seized two vehicles – one for having no insurance and no tax, and the other for having no insurance.
A vehicle checkpoint was established on Central Drive, Walney, where around 70 vehicles were stopped and checked. As a result, officers issued five Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) for offences including no insurance, no driving licence, no MOT, and tyre tread defects.
Drones were also deployed to target off-road bikes being used illegally within the park and allotments in Vickerstown. No bikes or issues were identified on the day however further enquiries will be carried out into the issue.
While carrying out the operation in Vickerstown, officers arrested a 16-year-old boy from Barrow on suspicion of possession of a bladed article and possession of cannabis. He was subsequently charged with both offences.
In addition, officers conducted three stop searches, along with a number of drug wipes and breath tests.
Community Beat Officer for Barrow Island and Walney, PC Rich Herron, said: “This operation was carried out as a direct response to residents’ concerns around road safety, anti-social use of bikes and drug related activity.
“Although no off-road bikes located on this occasion, we are aware this is a key issue for residents and further work will be carried out.
“Operations such as this allow us to disrupt criminal behaviour and make areas safer for the community.
“We will continue to take robust action where people are putting others at risk or impacting the quality of life of local residents and business owners.”
Anyone with any information about criminality in their area is asked to report to police via www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it or by calling 101.
Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.