ELK GROVE, Calif — Sideshows continue to be a problem throughout the region, but Elk Grove Police Department is trying a different approach to crack down on the crime.
The Elk Grove police are using drones and tapping into real time camera systems across the city to create a better response to these incidents.
However, they also are giving permits to what they call "car meets ups." So far, they're one of the only communities to provide an alternative outlet.
Elk Grove Boulevard and Bruceville Road was swarming with more than 70 cars racing and doing doughnuts Thursday night.
It's something Jolyn Schoch said she can hear most weekends in Elk Grove.
“It’s something I’d like to see gone for sure,” said Schoch.
Elk Grove Police Officer Cristina Gonzalez said they know illegal sideshows are a top concern for residents.
“When it comes to street racing and reckless driving, we have a zero-tolerance policy,” said Gonzalez.
They have a dedicated team that includes a traffic unit and officers in unmarked cars. They are also using drones and city cameras as their eyes in the sky.
“We can see what exactly what we are dealing with, how many people are out there, (and) what amount of resources do we need. We were able to pinpoint the troublemakers and how many officers we need,” said Gonzalez.
Last week, they put all of their resources to the test, shutting down the giant sideshow.
Their effort resulted in 55 citations, 10 cars towed and four people arrested for reckless driving.
The busts were for an illegal sideshow, but Elk Grove police said permitted “car meet-ups” are allowed.
“All they want to do is meet with like-minded people and see each other’s cars and hobbies, so we are totally OK with allowing those gatherings to come to Elk Grove as long as they are acting lawfully and not causing safety hazards. But the second it’s not, we have no tolerance for it,” said Gonzalez.
Gonzalez said they don’t send patrols to check on the car meet ups. They would only respond if there were complaints.
People in the community seem open to the idea, saying it’s unfair for a few reckless drivers to give car fanatics a bad reputation.
“It’s a great idea because people are really into that, so they should have a safe good place where we can all get along and enjoy our hobbies,” said Schoch.
Thursday night’s car meet up was not permitted.
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