Atherstone cops in 'street cruise' crackdown crossing borough boundaries

EIGHT PEOPLE REPORTED ACROSS NORTH WARWICKSHIRE FOR BREACHING GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES AND HIGH COURT INJUNCTION

POLICE in Atherstone and North Warwickshire are working with the neighbouring West Midlands force to clamp down on a rise in illegal "street cruising" operations.

Seven people have been reported for breaching Government guidelines and an eighth for breaking a High Court injunction granted to North Warwickshire Borough Council.

Officers are warning anyone overstepping the local authority's injunction risks arrest, and being in contempt of court for which they can face up to two years in prison.

The Atherstone and Coleshill Safer Neighbourhood team says street cruising has impacted on local communities and is a problem which crosses boundaries with similar injunctions in force in Birmingham and Solihull.

The injunction order forbids people from taking part in a "street cruise" within Atherstone and the wider borough. It also stops anyone hoping to promote, organise or publicise one in any manner.

Special Sergeant Steven Davies and his task force has been working closely with PC Mark Campbell, the single point of contact for West Midlands Police, for such operations – targeting breaches of both the injunction and Government guidelines on events and gatherings.

Police advice is simple: Stay at home . . .