TWO vehicles were reportedly caught by police racing at more than 100mph on a Poole dual carriageway.

Officers from the road policing unit were said to have witnessed the incident on the Dorset Way on Saturday evening.

The patrol was part of a range of tactics used by Dorset Police has part of its recently launched 'Operation Charge' pilot.

The operation, which also involves Poole Neighbourhood Policing Team, runs on evening and night shifts, seeking to target vehicles being used for anti-social behaviour (ASB).

Bournemouth Echo: Officers at Tower Park, one of the Op Charge hotspot areas. Picture: Poole PoliceOfficers at Tower Park, one of the Op Charge hotspot areas. Picture: Poole Police

A Poole Police spokesperson said: "Roads are a shared space and there are rules and regulations to follow. This is for everyone's safety. The roads are not a race track.

Operation Charge has been launched as a pilot operation in Poole and ASB perpetrators should expect to be targeted and dealt with robustly.

The force said its current vehicle ASB hotspots are the Shell Garage in Safety Drive, the Dorset Way, Tower Park, Asda at Holes Bay and Sandbanks.

Bournemouth Echo: Op Charge patrol in Poole. Picture: Poole PoliceOp Charge patrol in Poole. Picture: Poole Police

Residents should expect an increased police presence at these locations, the force said.

Poole Police provided details on how the operation went on the evening of Saturday, January 15.

One driver reportedly failed a "drug swipe" while 11 tickets were issued for various other offences.

Officers also issued multiple ASB warning notices, which mean if the same vehicle is caught again within 12 months, it will be seized. The owner has to pay for the vehicle's release.

"Op Charge is running well into the night, there will be more to come yet," the Poole Police spokesperson said.

Bournemouth Echo: Police on an Op Charge patrol at Sandbanks. Picture: Poole PolicePolice on an Op Charge patrol at Sandbanks. Picture: Poole Police

"We are out, we are watching and we are employing a range of different tactics to target this type of anti social behaviour right across Poole.

"If you witness vehicles driving dangerously, contact us on 999 and ensure you pass a vehicle registration and location.

"Please refer to Op Charge and we will ensure those units that are deployed on these operations in Poole are dispatched where available."