Boy-racer gangs targeted by police

Around 30 extra officers were drafted in after detectives were alerted to plans for a large-scale gathering in the multi-million pound Crossley Retail Park.

The phenomenon, known as a Cruise, has been sweeping the country and is characterised by street races and attempts by thieves in high performance cars to bait the police to follow.

Speed-loving motorists from around the West Midlands had been expected to converge on the unofficial event, which has resulted in deaths in other parts of the UK.

Kidderminster police mounted roadblocks at the site and at other car parks in the town to stop cars from entering.

Insp Ian Massey said the additional officers had been deployed around the town centre after intelligence came to light about the event on Saturday.

"Police were concerned because where such events have taken place in other parts of the country they have resulted in congestion, vehicles being driven dangerously as drivers seek to show off their driving skills and racing or time trials being staged on the highway," he said.

"Deaths on occasions have occurred and they have also proved an attraction for those who steal high performance vehicles and try to bait police into pursuits."

Information about the Cruise emerged through enthusiast magazines and the distribution of handbills locally throughout the day.

Insp Massey said Cruises were comparatively recent, but none had taken place in Kidderminster before.

"Additional local officers, together with the force road policing team, were deployed to ensure that the significant number of out-of-town vehicles which turned up in Kidderminster were not allowed to take over any car parks, retail or industrial estates or form convoys on local roads," he added.

A number of vehicles were stopped and checked with motorists arriving from around the West Midlands.

There were no arrests but drivers were reported for road traffic offences, excess speed and misuse of fog lamps.