Wash and no-go as windscreen washer women given ASBOs
Two women have been banned from washing car windows in England and Wales for the next two years.
Ardelianca Ion, 21, of Ludlow Road and Anisoara Radu, 21, of Moat House Road in Birmingham’s Alum Rock were handed the two-year ban and warned they risk a fine or jail stint if they ignore the terms their anti-social behaviour orders.
The duo were charged as officers responded to a raft of complaints over the summer from drivers about the aggressive and harassing tactics at the A34 Scott Arms, traffic lights.
Officers worked to collect evidence against the group including CCTV and statements from motorists bringing an end to their illegal and dangerous practice.
Sergeant Steve Knight, from West Midlands Police, said: “As well as the need to use every opportunity available to us to prevent this illegal and anti-social act we were also mindful of the danger the group were putting themselves in.
“The mere sight of the police prompted them to run away, endangering their own lives and potentially causing a serious crash.”
The team soon realised that the solution to the problem was much deeper than simply making arrests for begging.
Sergeant Knight added: “We were conscious that there could possibly be more offences being committed than at first sight.
“We had to be sure that these people weren’t being pressurised into this line of work.”
With this in mind officers worked with local Romanian charities to gain an understanding of the help and support available that the group could also be referred to.
Sergeant Knight concluded: “We understand that this offence can cause much frustration to motorists. But with the action taken by the team and the pending winter weather we should see a decrease in the impact they feel.
“Like with any crime we’d ask members of the public to call us on 101 to report all concerns.”
