POLICE were out in force in Bromsgrove and Droitwich over the weekend as part of a crackdown on boy racers.

On Sunday night, (October 19), around 50 officers were involved in Operation Overture - part of a continuing drive to stamp out problems with anti-social drivers across Worcestershire.

According to officers, the young car enthusiasts have been flocking from Kidderminster, Stourbridge, Dudley and as far away as Leominster to show off their fast cars on the county's streets, where they have been travelling in convoy and gathering at organised meets.

Acting Sergeant Leon Westwood, from the force's Operational Policing Unit, led the latest operation from Bromsgrove Police Station.

"A lot are generally law abiding and like to show off their cars, but nuisance driving has gone up and we want to nip it in the bud before it gets worse." he said.

"They all meet up in different places and form a convoy around the force area. The vast majority aren't an issue but a select few in the group spoilt it for the rest."

He said Bromsgrove’s Recreation Road South car park, near ASDA supermarket, has been a particular hotspot for the racers who have been “doing burn-outs, racing and all manner of ropey driving”.

Officers from the Operational Policing Unit were joined by response officers, vehicle examiners and police specials on Sunday’s operation. Leaflets were dished out to up to 40 car enthusiasts who had stopped off at Weavers Wharf in Kidderminster on their way to a car meet in Worcester where up to 400 vehicles were reported to have gathered.

Motorists were also warned to drive safe and to get illegal tyres and exhausts fixed and their cars MOT'd to avoid prosecution.

Car registration numbers were also taken and police plan to write to insurance companies about any dubious vehicle modifications.

Officers say the night – which took in the streets of Bromsgrove, Droitwich and Hagley - proved a further success in their fight against nuisance drivers.

Superintendent Kevin Purcell said: "It was about making sure people are aware of the anti-social nature of gatherings like this and the way they behave on and off the main roads and the trouble they cause.

"It was also about warning them about modifications and their insurance.

"Most people who were given general warnings about modifications and the way they drive were allowed to go on their way - it was a successful night for us."

Acting Sgt Westwood added: "We met with a number of drivers and it all passed off in good spirits.

"It was more about information and warning people that nuisance driving is no longer going to be tolerated."