Suspected drug-driver arrested and boy racers engaged during night-time Proactive Fortnight operation in Whitby

On Wednesday (17 November 2021) evening and into the early hours of Thursday, officers in Whitby carried out a road safety operation with a particular focus on “boy racer” drivers who have been causing a nuisance to residents.

Run as part of Proactive Fortnight, a check point was initially set-up in the large lay-by beside the A171 Stainsacre Lane. 

           

 

Vehicles displaying obvious defects such as headlights and brake lights, obscured numberplates, and using excessive speed, were guided into the lay-by for a more in-depth inspection.

Driver identity verification and vehicle ownership and history checks using the Police National Computer (PNC) data base were also carried out, as well as several breath and drug tests and drugs.

 

 

More than 30 vehicles were stopped resulting in a Traffic Offence Report being issued to a van driver for not wearing a seatbelt, and words of advice were given to all the drivers about the ongoing “Fatal 5” road safety campaign which is highlighting the dangers of:

• careless driving
• drink and drug driving
• not wearing a seatbelt
• excessive speeding
• distracted driving (including mobile phone use)

 

 

The officers then packed-up their cones and headed to known “boy racer” hot-spots in the Whitby area to actively engage with the drivers and address recent complaints made by residents, including the use of loud modified exhaust pipes.

 

Drug-driving arrest and seizure of car

At 10.08pm on Wednesday, a black Ford Focus was spotted by officers at Stakesby Garage on Castle Road and it initially failed to stop.

However, it was pulled over on Runswick Avenue a couple of minutes later where officers carried out enquiries with the driver and searched the vehicle.

The driver of the car, a 27-year-old local man, was arrested after testing positive for cocaine, possession of cannabis, driving without a licence, no insurance and careless driving. The vehicle was seized.

Following questioning in custody, the man was released under investigation while enquiries continue. (Ref 12210243782).

 

Making a report

• Your information is vital in helping us to catch dangerous and anti-social drivers in our area.
• If you have any information about this issue, please report it via www.northyorkshire.police.uk or on 101, option 1, and speak to the Force Control Room.
• If you prefer not to speak to the police and remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.