THIS year the news that another car meet in Basingstoke has caused disruption to residents has been a reoccurring theme and the Gazette wanted to know what police are doing to continue to tackle the issue.
The meetings have become a clear problem in the town in 2023 with residents often reporting that hundreds of vehicles descend on car parks across the borough.
Those car parks that have become a well-known spot for the meets throughout the year include Asda's car park in Brighton Hill, Basingstoke's Leisure Park, Morrisons car park in Worting Road and Hatch Warren Retail Park.
READ MORE: Police called after car meet at Basingstoke supermarket car park
In September, Basingstoke and Deane Borough councillor Arun Mummalaneni had a meeting with the Morrison's store manager, said the gates to the supermarket car park will be promptly closed after the store’s shut.
It has also been decided that the gates to the Hatch Warren Retail Park’s car park will be closed in the night to stop unauthorised car meets.
Meanwhile, Asda in Brighton Hill has installed a number of new speed bumps to deter motorists who may choose to act in an anti-social manner.
The Gazette contacted Hampshire Constabulary on several occasions throughout the year to find out what it is doing to tackle the problem.
Ahead of the new year police have updated residents on what they plan to do in order to continue to crackdown on the problem.
The Gazette was told that "officers want to be clear that car meets are not an issue as long as they are conducted lawfully" and with "respect to businesses and residents".
A spokesperson from Hampshire Constabulary said that in 2023 officers have received 39 reports of incidents which been recorded as a car meet in Basingstoke.
The spokesperson said: "We will not tolerate anti-social use of vehicles. Not only is this disruptive to local residents, but it also puts other road users at risk.
SEE ALSO: Morrisons car park to close after hours to stop car meets
"We will not allow such behaviour to go unchallenged and have a robust plan in place with resources allocated to it."
They said officers use available legislation and take action where necessary, which can include seizing vehicles, issuing penalty notices and dispersal notices, notifying insurance companies of illegal modifications, and arrest where necessary.
The spokesperson continued: "Police are currently investigating a number of potential driving offences that have taken place at various meets in the town.
"Officers obtained CCTV footage from two car meets on the Daneshill Industrial Estate in August and September. Seven S59 warnings were issued following reports of vehicle-related anti-social behaviour.
"Meanwhile, other offences at the two meets, which included driving without due care and driving with an insecure passenger, have been dealt with by issuing a traffic offence report and the Summary Justice Unit.
"Three offences of failing to identify the driver of a vehicle are awaiting court dates. Officers are also awaiting CPS advice in regards to a report of dangerous driving."
In addition, in consultation with the borough council's community safety team, three vehicle owners were issued with anti-social behaviour warnings and banning letters for vehicle-related anti-social behaviour at the Leisure Park in November.
READ ALSO: Staff employed to lock gates at Hatch Warren Retail Park
Basingstoke Police Sergeant Pete Scamell added: “We know the significant impact these kind of incidents can have on our community and we would like to reassure local residents that we take any report of anti-social use of vehicles extremely seriously.
“If anyone witnesses anything they think is unacceptable, and they have footage, please share it with us so we can take action where possible.
“You are able to do this a number of ways, including online or by calling 101 and mentioning Op Chromium, which was set up in 2022 as a force operation relating to unauthorised car meets."
Next year officers will continue to "monitor information and intelligence" to help them build a picture of what is happening.
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