Man arrested following police chase

An 18-year-old man was arrested after ramming his car into a police vehicle following a chase before being detained.

Whilst officers from the recently launched Operation Vulcan initiative were on patrol in Derker on Monday night, they noticed a car driving suspiciously.  

The police in an unmarked vehicle activated their blue lights to pull the driver over but he rammed into them to try and get away.  

The suspects abandoned the car and made off on foot but one of the men was swiftly detained by officers. Enquiries remain ongoing to trace them. 

Police recovered drugs, a baseball bat, and a machete sheath, and the man was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon, possession of class B drugs, driving without a licence, and driving without insurance. 

Since the operation launched, police have already made a dent in the criminal activity in the neighbourhood, they have made 22 arrests, seized 13 cars being driven criminally or anti-socially, seized 5 weapons, and seized large quantities of drugs. 

Inspector Dan Cullum from Operation Vulcan said: “Our team have only been in the community for three weeks, and already we’re seeing significant results, and we hope residents are already feeling a positive difference. 

“This latest arrest is a prime example of the work we are doing. Our officers were alerted to the car and the occupant acted suspiciously, when he saw the officers, the car tried to evade us.  

"Now we know why, we were able to seize the uninsured car, the drugs, and the baseball bat which we found inside, and arrest the driver. 

“We know that the criminals aren’t used to seeing us in and around the area yet, but our message is clear; anyone who is intent on harming the community will be dealt with robustly.  

“We hope that news of arrests like this will reassure the community that we are out, day and night, to target criminals. 

“We ask that the community keep talking to us, keep reporting their concerns, and see that we are acting on their intelligence.” 

He added: “Every bit of information, no matter how small, contributes to our operation. “We cannot secure results like this without the support of the local community, their support in reporting intelligence to us means we can play a part in making our neighbourhoods safer.  

“I urge the public to keep sharing information about criminal activities or expressing their concerns through contacting us directly via our 24/7 Live Chat function, speaking to your local neighbourhood officer or anonymously through Crimestoppers.”