'Stop the TWOC': Police say juvenile drivers could cause 'catastrophic' results

RPU sergeant shocked at 'horrific' standard of driving

Police on the Isle of Man say they won’t stop targeting juveniles who are taking vehicles without consent saying the youngsters don’t realise how dangerous their actions could be.

This week officers had to use a ‘stinger’ to stop and intercept a van that had been taken from the south of the Island.

Specially trained pursuit officers located that vehicle at around 4pm on Monday afternoon (24 June) in Jurby after it had been taken from the south of the Island without permission.

It was brought to a stop at Sulby Crossroads.

A second, unconnected car, was involved in a minor collision with the stolen vehicle – that driver suffered minor injuries.

Social Media

A photo of the scene, showing two arrests being made, was posted by police on Facebook but that wasn’t the only thing which went online.

This audio is from a video posted on social media by one of the juveniles allegedly in the vehicle – we’ve changed their voice to protect their identity.

“This could have had a catastrophic ending resulting in members of the public being seriously injured or worse.” – Roads Policing Unit -

'TWOC'

Police say juveniles posting videos of themselves whilst driving, or being carried in, vehicles which have been Taken Without the Owner's Consent appears to be a new trend.

Sergeant Elliot Butler heads up the Roads Policing Unit on the Island:

Juveniles

There has been some criticism online about what actually happens to juveniles caught taking vehicles without consent.

Youngsters under the age of 17 do not normally appear before the fixed adult courts and are normally scheduled to appear before the Juvenile Court.

However some do appear before the Deputy High Bailiff or the Magistrates depending on the timing of their alleged offending or for bail applications.

There are strict restrictions around the reporting of juveniles in criminal court proceedings with the identification of children and young people banned in order to protect their welfare.

Although the Juvenile Court is closed to the public the media are allowed to attend but because of the reporting restrictions only limited information can be published.

The juvenile allegedly connected to the TWOC case on Monday did appear before the Deputy High Bailiff’s Court on Tuesday (25 June); their case has been adjourned to a Juvenile Court next month.

'Vigilant'

Police are now urging members of the public to make it harder for juveniles to take their vehicles.

They want people to lock their cars and vans, stop leaving the keys inside and be extra vigilant.

Sergeant Butler told Manx Radio it’s a fine balance between highlighting the actions of the youngsters involved in taking vehicles and giving them the airtime they appear to crave: