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SWANSEA: Sixteen bikes seized as police operation targets illegal off-road riders with aircraft support

Sixteen motorbikes and off-road bikes have been seized across Swansea as part of a major policing operation targeting illegal and antisocial riding, with officers using a fixed-wing aircraft to track offenders from the air before swooping to arrest them on the ground.

Operation Akalat, run by South Wales Police, targets the illegal and antisocial use of off-road bikes, stolen vehicles and drug dealing – issues which officers say have a significant impact on communities across Swansea and are consistently raised by residents as affecting their quality of life, public safety and confidence in policing.

The latest operation, which took place on Friday 24 April, saw officers deploy the NPAS fixed-wing aircraft to spot and follow illegal riders across the city. Numerous off-road and illegally ridden bikes were tracked from the air until they could be safely apprehended on the ground.

The results were significant. Sixteen motorcycles, Sur-Rons and off-road bikes were seized – eight in Penlan, three in the city centre, three in Townhill and two in Morriston. Several of the bikes were confirmed as stolen. Officers also created 14 Postal Charge Requisitions for offences including dangerous driving, possession of drugs and no insurance, and carried out eight stop searches.

PC Connor Sumner-Jones, of the Swansea and Neath Port Talbot Intelligence Unit, said the operation had been a significant success. “This police activity has helped to make a big dent in issues which have been plaguing the respective communities in Swansea, as well as restoring faith and public confidence to 999 and 101 callers, who have now seen us act upon their information and achieve results,” he said.

Inspector Andrew Hedley added that the operation demonstrated a sophisticated approach to problem-solving in the run-up to summer. “This was an example of really great work and an absolutely fantastic approach to problem-solving which will send a robust message to those acting illegally or anti-socially with bikes and motorbikes in the lead-up to the summer,” he said.

He added: “The level of disruption seen under this operation will make a real difference in the communities affected and helps reduce demand more widely. A lot of time and policing hours went into planning and executing this operation, which tackles issues which are very important to the local community.”

Insp Hedley said Op Akalat would continue running frequently over the coming months alongside Operation Lathyrus, sending a clear message that the force was listening to community concerns. “Operations of this nature will continue frequently in the coming months,” he said.

The operation is the latest in a series of targeted policing actions across Swansea aimed at tackling antisocial behaviour that has become a persistent concern in residential areas including Penlan, Townhill and Morriston. Residents in those communities have repeatedly raised concerns about illegal riders causing danger and disturbance on streets and open spaces.

South Wales Police said the use of the NPAS aircraft had proved particularly effective in allowing officers to safely monitor and pursue riders who would otherwise evade ground-based patrols. The aircraft tracked multiple bikes simultaneously before coordinating with officers on the ground to intercept them.

A video of the operation, showing aerial footage of riders being followed and stopped, was shared by South Wales Police on social media and attracted widespread attention from local residents welcoming the crackdown.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyPc88ySLDQ&t=3s

Anyone with information about illegal or antisocial use of bikes in their area is encouraged to contact South Wales Police by calling 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always call 999.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

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Police seize five motorcycles linked to anti‑social behaviour in Gorseinon

Bikes found hidden in woodland

The Gorseinon Neighbourhood Policing Team confirmed they had located five motorcycles hidden in woodland near the town. Officers believe the vehicles are connected to recent reports of anti‑social behaviour in the area.

All five motorcycles have now been seized, with enquiries ongoing to establish their identity and ownership.

Police statement

In a post on social media, South Wales Police said:

“The Gorseinon Neighbourhood Policing Team have located five motorcycles concealed within local woodland. All the motorcycles have been seized by the Police. Enquiries are now ongoing to establish the identity of the motorcycles and their owners. These are believed to be the motorcycles that have been the cause of anti‑social behaviour within Gorseinon over recent months.”

Community impact

Residents in Gorseinon have raised concerns in recent months about nuisance riding and noise linked to off‑road motorcycles. Police say the seizures form part of ongoing work to tackle anti‑social behaviour and improve safety in the community.

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Blaenymaes man charged after drugs and cash seized in police raid

South Wales Police said officers from the Penlan Neighbourhood Policing Team, supported by the Special Constabulary and the Territorial Support Team, executed a search warrant at an address in Woodford Road, Blaenymaes, on Friday 3 October.

During the operation, officers recovered significant amounts of Class A controlled drugs and cash. Several off‑road motorcycles were also seized as part of the investigation.

Andrew Clarke, 35, from Blaenymaes, has been charged with possession with intent to supply cocaine and possession of criminal property. He has been remanded into custody.

Three other individuals who were arrested at the scene remain under investigation.

Police have released an image showing a number of off‑road bikes propped against a garden wall and driveway gate at the property.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Swansea cannabis dealer jailed for harassing ex and witness intimidation
A dealer who harassed his former partner and intimidated a witness has been jailed after police uncovered his cannabis operation.

Mayhill man jailed for Class A drug supply
Ricky O’Connor, 33, was sentenced to 30 months after police seized cocaine, cash and weapons during a raid at his home.

Birmingham men jailed after dealing Class A drugs in Swansea
Ayaz Hussain and Asam Bashir were jailed for more than seven years each after being caught supplying heroin and crack cocaine in Swansea.

Swansea man linked to transatlantic yacht cocaine plot as crime group jailed
A Swansea man was among those sentenced after a crime group was caught smuggling cocaine across the Atlantic by yacht.

#arrests #BlaenYMaes #Blaenymaes #cocaine #custody #drugsRaid #offRoadBikes #Penlan #SouthWalesPolice #Swansea #WoodfordRoad