Operation Physalis was established in April 2026 in response to a significant increase in Off-Road Bike (ORB) incidents, anti-social behaviour, and associated criminality throughout the Cynon Valley, particularly within Aberdare Town Centre and Cynon North.
The operation was led by the Cynon Neighbourhood Policing Team, with strategic support from Cynon South, and was designed to tackle the increasing prevalence of ORB offending, improve community safety, reduce anti-social behaviour and disrupt wider criminality
Here are some of the standout figures from the campaign
• 24 Off-Road Bikes seized.
• 15 Road Traffic Files submitted.
• 10 Court appearances.
• 8 Youth Offending Service diversions.
• 3 Arrests.
• 6 Section 59 warnings issued.
Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002, police and PCSOs can target antisocial vehicle use that causes alarm, distress, or annoyance. Recent legislative updates have empowered officers to seize vehicles on the spot without always issuing a prior warning.
The use of intelligence-led plain clothes deployments generated additional significant outcomes beyond the original scope of the operation.
These included:
• 3 offenders arrested and charged for aggravated burglary and firearms offences.
• 3 offenders arrested for Possession with Intent to Supply controlled drugs.
• £18,000 seized under Proceeds of Crime legislation.
• Safeguarding opportunities relating to violence against woman and girls and the night-time economy.
In total the team put in over 7,000 hours of high-visibility patrols. If you see any use of anti-social or illegal use of ORB please report it to us.
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