POLICE TARGET CAR PARK GATHERINGS
COVENTRY supermarket car parks are being overrun by gangs in cars to gather and race vehicles after closing times.
There were reports of such gangs at both Tesco Extra on Olivier Way and Asda on Brade Drive, both in Walsgrave on February 14.
According to residents, it is a common occurrence at weekends with supermarkets tending to close earlier on Sundays.
The incidents have seen groups of people in cars racing around empty car parks, preforming hand break turns, playing loud music and generally using the areas to mingle and interact.
It is also believed those responsible are using nitrous oxide and drinking, with laughing gas canisters and empty bottles and cans being left behind after the gatherings.
This is despite the current Covid-19 lockdown restrictions which does not permit mixing with other households or gatherings.
The topic has been the subject of conversation on several Facebook groups, with local residents complaining of the noise made by the gangs and the mess they leave behind.
Police said they would be monitoring the area and undertaking “reassurance patrols” in a bid to put a halt to the car park gatherings.
Meanwhile Tesco plans to tackle the issue with CCTV vans monitoring the situation. Both Tesco and Asda said they were working with authorities regarding the issue.
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: “We were called to reports of a gathering involving a large number of cars in a car park off Olivier Way, Coventry, around 5.30pm ( on February 14).
“Officers attended and the vehicles dispersed.
“We’ll be continuing to monitor the area and carry out reassurance patrols. People are reminded they should only travel for essential purposes during current national restrictions.”
A Tesco spokesperson said: “We are aware of drivers congregating at our Tesco Extra store in Coventry and are working with the local police for their support in tackling the issue. A Tesco CCTV van will also be visiting the store to monitor any anti-social behaviour and activity in the car park.”
An Asda spokesperson: “We thank the vast majority who use our car parks responsibly and we will work with the authorities to ensure that the spaces around our stores remain safe for our customers.”