THREE vehicles were seized during an operation to tackle the problem of boy and girl racers in Rubery.

Operation Emblazon followed complaints to the police and concerns raised at PACT (Partners and Communities Together) meetings about youths driving in a dangerous manner, at speed and in unroadworthy vehicles.

There were reports of young men and women gathering in up to 15 vehicles in New Road in the evenings, particularly on Fridays.

A covert operation on August 22 involved officers from Rubery police station, the North Worcestershire road policing team, and West Mercia police’s ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) team.

The three vehicles were seized for having no insurance. Two people were arrested and a number of fixed penalty tickets were issued.

Sergeant Mark Wilkes, of Rubery police, said: “We were concerned the vehicles, many of which have had modifications, were being driven around Rubery in timed circuits. They were being driven in a dangerous manner, in relation to speed, tailgating, handbrake turns, wheel spins and overtaking.

“The operation, which was a joint initiative with PACT, was a complete success and further operations will follow.”

Sgt Wilkes added that police were concerned that some of the drivers involved were employed by local fast food restaurants for delivery.

Around ten vehicles were identified as not having the appropriate insurance to cover them for business use.

Their drivers are therefore liable to be prosecuted and the owners of the food outlets may also be prosecuted in relation to using delivery drivers with inadequate insurance.

Local councillor Peter McDonald, who was present during the operation, said: “I was more than pleased to be at the heart of such a professional operation. To actually be present as these boy racers, who have had no regard for local residents for so long, and witness them being taken off the road was more than welcomed. I cannot praise the police highly enough for such a successful operation.”