Vehicles seized during Op Rossi

Two vehicles have been seized during a proactive police operation in Welwyn Hatfield.

Operation Rossi is a proactive police response to an increase in anti-social behaviour (ASB) and criminal activity by offenders using mopeds, pedal cycles, e-bikes and e-scooters.

The operation is being carried out by the Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT).

On Tuesday (19 August), plain clothed officers were carrying out cycle patrols in Woods Avenue, Hatfield, when they spotted a Volkswagen Polo. The driver was identified as someone the officers knew did not hold a driver's license. The driver was reported for various offences and the vehicle was seized for having no insurance.

On Wednesday (20 August), officers spotted a male on a dirt bike in the park beside Black Fan Road in Welwyn Garden City. Officers approached but were unable to catch the rider. The dirt bike then broke down and the rider was found with it a little further down the road. The rider was reported for having no insurance and driving without due care and attention and the dirt bike was seized.

Inspector Amy Sheldon, who leads the Welwyn Hatfield NPT, said: “The offences we are focusing on include drug dealing, pedal cycle theft, shoplifting, burglary, vehicle theft and ASB. We are targeting hotspot areas with both high vis and plain clothes officers patrolling on bicycles and in vehicles.

“I am pleased that the operation is proving successful. In addition to these two vehicle seizures, several stop searches have been carried out and we’ve gathered intelligence to support future operations.”

Two vehicles have been seized during a proactive police operation in Welwyn Hatfield.

Operation Rossi is a proactive police response to an increase in anti-social behaviour (ASB) and criminal activity by offenders using mopeds, pedal cycles, e-bikes and e-scooters.

The operation is being carried out by the Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT).

On Tuesday (19 August), plain clothed officers were carrying out cycle patrols in Woods Avenue, Hatfield, when they spotted a Volkswagen Polo. The driver was identified as someone the officers knew did not hold a driver's license. The driver was reported for various offences and the vehicle was seized for having no insurance.

On Wednesday (20 August), officers spotted a male on a dirt bike in the park beside Black Fan Road in Welwyn Garden City. Officers approached but were unable to catch the rider. The dirt bike then broke down and the rider was found with it a little further down the road. The rider was reported for having no insurance and driving without due care and attention and the dirt bike was seized.

Inspector Amy Sheldon, who leads the Welwyn Hatfield NPT, said: “The offences we are focusing on include drug dealing, pedal cycle theft, shoplifting, burglary, vehicle theft and ASB. We are targeting hotspot areas with both high vis and plain clothes officers patrolling on bicycles and in vehicles.

“I am pleased that the operation is proving successful. In addition to these two vehicle seizures, several stop searches have been carried out and we’ve gathered intelligence to support future operations.”

You can also use the Herts Connected platform to let us know what you think we should be prioritising in your area. Your feedback will help towards shaping our local policing priorities, initiatives and campaigns. Visit bit.ly/hertspolice-psf and tell us your thoughts. 

To view the images relating to this press release, please visit the Welwyn Hatfield Facebook page.