The Croydon Cruise has been happening regularly over the past 20 years at varius locations off the Purley Way. Last night, 21 vehicles were impounded by the police
A “hostile crowd of hundreds” hurled missiles at the police last night while they were conducting their operation against “anti-social driving” in Broad Green.
As Inside Croydon revealed, 21 vehicles were impounded during the operation, which called on more than 60 officers and specials from across the capital.
The operation is the latest clampdown against the regular high-speed “Croydon cruises” staged around Valley Park, a weekly gathering of hundreds of spectators and souped-up vehicles which have featured fireworks and loud sound systems on the retail park’s roads and in car parks alongside Ikea.
Nicked: one of the 21 vehicles being impounded last night
According to official Metropolitan Police reports on social media, during the night’s work they issued 16 warnings under “Section 59”, while four people reported to the Magistrates Court for no insurance.
Section 59 is part of the 2002 Police Reform Act and are issued to those found to be driving without due care and attention or under S34 Road Traffic Act if they are causing or likely to cause alarm, distress or annoyance. Anyone issued with such a warning is liable to have their vehicle confiscated if they commit a second offence within 12 months. Croydon Police say that they have issued more than 200 such notices since July.
Local officer Sergeant Karl Eccott has posted further details on a Croydon Police social media page this afternoon which suggest that the operation was not as smooth and peaceful as the force might have hoped.
Sgt Eccott said, “Police arrived and were met by a hostile crowd of hundreds that proceeded to throw missiles at them whilst they tried to maintain public safety for those at the park to go about their daily lives.”
Sgt Eccott described last night’s operations as, “A great result for the community from us doing what we can to be robust in tackling this serious issue affecting the lives of those members of the public who simply want to go about their business without fear of being hit by a car’s reckless behaviour.
Read more: 21 vehicles seized as police clamp down on Valley Park ‘cruise’
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