A GANG of youths riding motorbikes “like maniacs” and thefts from cars have plagued a Southampton community, residents have told the Echo.

Those living in the Shirley area of the city have spoken out about reckless motorcyclists tearing up and down the roads, and hooded males allegedly breaking into cars.

One resident described the suspects as “wreaking havoc in the streets” adding they are a danger to people in the area.

Darek Prawdzik lives in Foundry Lane and has captured CCTV footage of youths speeding down the road on the back wheel.

He has also recorded footage of a man breaking into his car outside his home.

Darek, who owns a home kitchen business delivering food, said he is concerned the yobs could damage property or “even kill someone” through their reckless behaviour.

His car was broken into on May 14 and he told how the man “ransacked the whole car” stealing a number of items including a portable charger he needs while delivering meals.
He said: “These bikes... are wreaking havoc in the streets.

“They are posing a danger to people and riding like are maniacs every day at the same time.

“It started last month, they usually start at around 4pm.

“Every single night there are people out checking cars to see if they are unlocked and if there is anything they can steal.

“We feel scammed, we spend our money on these things just for them to come and take them.”

He is calling on police to do more to tackle the crimes, and claims it takes around 20 minutes to get through to a call handler on 101.

Darek said he has reported the incidents “at least 10 times” to the police and is calling for police to regularly patrol the area.

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Another local resident, a woman in her 70s who lives in Regents Park Road, said youths have broken into her block of flats.

She said a group entered her flat block to smoke cigarettes and charge their phones in the hallway on May 18.

“They left an awful mess,” she said.

“They dragged mud all through the hallway and put cigarettes out on the carpets.”

PS Rob Morant, from the Southampton West Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We know motorcycle crime and the antisocial behaviour that comes with it is one of the issues which most impacts our community.

“This is why we are constantly looking for new and innovative ways to disrupt those responsible, recover stolen vehicles and work with partner agencies to reduce antisocial behaviour.

“We have been conducting days of action, focusing our resources into the areas where you tell us there are problems and based on the issues we are aware of.

“We will use every power in our disposal, from arrests to dispersal orders and community resolutions, to reduce motorcycle crime and make our city safer.

“The single most important way you can help us tackle the issue is by reporting information to us. Every report is reviewed by us and helps us to get officers in the right place at the right time.”

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