Police increase enforcement against local street racing

Increased police patrols targeting street racing resulted in several citations issued and two vehicles being towed from a large gathering of vehicles in a Menifee commercial center, authorities said.

Between 50 and 100 street racer type vehicles were gathered in front of the Living Spaces store on Antelope Road south of Newport Road about 9 p.m. Monday, according to a Sheriff's Department news release. Officers issued many citations, including two citations to drivers for exhibition of speed. Those vehicles were towed, stored and placed on 30-day holds.

Later, officers returned to the same location and contacted 30-40 people. They talked to the individuals about the dangers of street racing and the negative results offenders could face. Officers also encouraged them to spread the word about the department's zero tolerance policy regarding street racing and related violations.

Officers have noticed a marked increase in street racing throughout the city, according to the news release. A week earlier, on Feb. 19 about 10 p.m., a patrol officer observed individuals involved in street racing on Scott Road. A driver was cited for several violations and the vehicle was towed and stored.