Sixteen motorbikes and off-road bikes have been seized around Swansea as part of a policing operation.
Op Akalat is an operation which cracks down on the illegal and anti-social use of off-road bikes, stolen cars/bikes, and drug dealing, issues which increase policing demand in Swansea. These issues have a detrimental effect on our communities, and have all been consistently raised by residents as having a negative impact on quality of life, public safety and confidence in policing.
During the operation activity which took place on Friday April 24, officers utilised the NPAS fixed-wing aircraft, numerous off-road/illegal bikes were sighted around Swansea and then followed by NPAS until they could be safely apprehended.
The latest Op Akalat engagement saw the following results:
- 16 motorcycles / Sur-Rons / off-road bikes seized (Penlan 8 / City 3 / Townhill 3 / Morriston 2)
- 14 Postal Charge Requisitions (PCRs) created for several offences including dangerous driving, possession of drugs, and no insurance.
- 8 stop-searches
Several of the sixteen bikes seized were outstanding stolen bikes.
PC Connor Sumner-Jones, of the Swansea and Neath Port Talbot Intelligence Unit, said:
“Overall, this Operation Akalat was a massive success. This police activity has helped to make a big dent in issues which have been plaguing the respective communities in Swansea, as well as restoring faith and public confidence to 999 and 101 callers, who have now seen us act upon their information and achieve results.”
Inspector Andrew Hedley said:
“This was an example of really great work and an absolutely fantastic approach to problem-solving which will send a robust message to those acting illegally or anti-socially with bikes and motorbikes in the lead-up to the summer. The level of disruption seen under this operation will make a real difference in the communities affected and helps reduce demand more widely.
“A lot of time and policing hours went into planning and executing this operation, which tackles issues which are very important to the local community.
“In conjunction with Operation Lathyrus, this operation is sending a message that we listen to the concerns of our communities and focus our attention on combatting these offences.
“Operations of this nature will continue frequently in the coming months.”
