Devon & Cornwall Police News site

Illegal and anti-social riders have been warned they are "running out of road" after a highly successful four-evening enforcement operation by Devon & Cornwall Police resulted in arrests, vehicle seizures and the recovery of stolen property.

Operation Hyssop saw officers dedicate 28 hours of targeted activity across four evenings to tackle the theft of mopeds and motorcycles, as well as the anti-social and criminal use of motorcycles, e-scooters and e-bikes. The operation combined specialist police tactics, local intelligence and innovative technology to identify and disrupt offenders.

Watch the video of highlights from the operation: https://youtu.be/imt1VXdWM04 

The operation brought together officers from Roads Policing, supported by specialist resources including the Drone Team and Dog Section, with activity focused on locations and individuals identified through intelligence gathered by local officers and information provided by members of the public.

Across the four evenings, officers achieved significant results, including:

• 13 arrests
• 30 e-bikes and motorcycles seized
• 10 Section 59 warnings and seizures
• 3 stolen vehicles recovered
• 2 cloned vehicles recovered
• 28 police pursuits
• 7 individuals reported to court
• 4 weapons recovered
• More than £2,000 in cash seized
• More than 150 wraps of suspected crack cocaine and heroin recovered
• Offences detected included dangerous driving, vehicle theft, failing to stop for police, driving whilst disqualified, drink and drug driving, possession of offensive weapons and possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

The operation utilised a range of specialist tactics to safely bring offenders to justice, including drone observation, SmartWater forensic marking technology and, where necessary, tactical contact by highly trained police drivers against riders who posed a risk to the public.

One notable success involved the deployment of SmartWater Data Tag Spray. Officers were able to mark a suspect rider and avoid a potentially risky pursuit. Although the rider initially escaped, they were identified through the forensic marking and arrested the following day.

Chief Inspector Simon Jenkinson, Head of Roads Policing for Devon & Cornwall Police, said: "Operation Hyssop demonstrates our determination to tackle those who steal motorcycles and mopeds, ride illegally and cause misery in our communities through dangerous and anti-social behaviour.

"These offenders often believe they can act with impunity by using off-road routes, wearing face coverings, removing registration plates or riding vehicles that should not be on our roads. Through a combination of specialist tactics, advanced technology and highly trained officers, we are proving that this is no longer the case.

"The results show just how effective we can be when we combine intelligence from local communities with information gathered by neighbourhood officers and specialist teams. That intelligence allows us to target the right people, in the right places, at the right time.

"I would like to thank the public for the information they continue to provide. Every report helps us build a clearer picture of who is involved and where offending is taking place.

"Our message to those who continue to ride illegally, dangerously or anti-socially is clear: you are running out of road. We will continue to identify you, pursue every lawful opportunity to stop you and take action to protect the public."

The operation is part of Devon & Cornwall Police's ongoing commitment to reducing harm, preventing criminality and improving community safety.

Police are continuing to encourage residents to report information about dangerous riding, stolen motorcycles, illegal e-bikes and anti-social vehicle use. Information supplied by the public remains one of the most effective ways of identifying offenders and directing enforcement activity where it is needed most.

Report online Report antisocial behaviour | Devon & Cornwall Police or call 101. If anyone is in immediate danger call 999.

Pictured: Seized e-motorbikes, drugs and weapons, bag tagged with Smart Water.