In the 1980s and 90s, the Welsh city of Swansea was notorious for being the unofficial car theft hotspot of the UK. While most young people in Swansea were enjoying their Walkmans and riding BMX bikes, another crowd was involved in the act of twocking – taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, a prevalent practice in the city at that time.
During the 1990s, the likelihood of your car being broken into in Swansea was three times higher than the national average. It was common to see cars with crook locks, anti-theft steering wheel locks, as a meager deterrent against theft. However, these devices did not always prevent cars from being stolen, especially by those engaging in joyriding.
Former Chief Superintendent Phil Davies of South Wales Police, who was a detective inspector in Swansea during the peak of the car crime wave, expressed his shame and embarrassment at the city’s reputation for car theft nationally. He described the rampant car crime as a near-daily occurrence in Swansea during that period.
One former joyrider from Swansea shared his experiences from the 1990s, recalling how car crime was a way of life for many in the area. He recounted high-speed pursuits with the police, dangerous incidents like driving into farm gates at 60mph resulting in melted trainers and surviving driving off the side of a mountain at 70mph.
Swansea’s car criminals saw joyriding as a game, similar to the fictional Lewis twins in the movie “Twin Town.” Even children as young as 12 were involved in these activities, becoming household names for their infamous exploits. The police had to reassess their tactics in dealing with car thieves, especially as high-speed chases posed significant risks to public safety.
Tim Jones, another police officer from that era, highlighted the burden that car crime placed on the police force and the wider community. Car theft not only affected individuals but also raised concerns about tourism and investment in Swansea due to its reputation as a car crime hotspot.
To combat the escalating car crime, the Phoenix Operation was launched, aiming to increase police presence and educate the public on securing their vehicles. This focused effort helped to reduce car thefts and improve the situation in Swansea.
In conclusion, the 1980s and 90s marked a challenging period for Swansea, with car crime plaguing the city and impacting residents’ safety and well-being. The efforts made by the police through operations like Phoenix were crucial in addressing the issue and making Swansea a safer place for its community.