PORTSMOUTH, Va. - The Portsmouth Police Department is asking residents to be vigilant this weekend, as they believe there may be unlawful street racing in the coming days throughout Hampton Roads.
If you see any suspicious activity on the roadways this weekend, including reckless driving and large gatherings of vehicles in the street, police ask that you call 911 immediately and provide any information you can.
The department will continue to have officers patrol the city actively looking for traffic violations.
Residents in Portsmouth say they are concerned about drag racing up and down Airline Boulevard during late hours in the night.
"I have woke up late at night and could hear the tires screeching. I asked my husband, ‘Are they racing out there?’"
Cynthia, a Portsmouth resident who lives near Airline Boulevard, says she hears drag racing at least twice a week.
"I just lay there in the bed, and I can hear it so good. Next morning there are skid marks in the street. On Airline Boulevard, they are having a ball out there," she said.
Lisa Cross, another Portsmouth resident, says she hears cars drag racing too often.
"You could definitely tell it was coming from Airline [Boulevard] and we’ve seen and heard it before, but last Friday night was definitely long. It went on for 30 or 45 minutes. A car is going to end up in a house or a business. I think they need a stronger police presence," Cross said.
"The more people get ticketed, maybe they’ll slow down and go somewhere else," Lamont Ferguson, who also lives in the city, said.
Community activist Barry Randall asks drivers to be be safe.
"Think about your fellow man. Also think about it could be someone’s mother, daughter, father or brother whose life could be put in jeopardy with this unsafe drag racing," Randall said.
Anyone who would like to leave an anonymous tip can call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP (1-888-562-5887) or use the P3tips app.
