NEWARK -- Police issued 52 traffic summonses in an overnight crackdown on street racing in an industrial section of Newark's East Ward, city Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose announced Saturday.

The operation came in response to complaints about racing on Foundry Street, Avenue P, Doremus Avenue, Route 21 and Thomas Street, according to Ambrose. The drivers would gather in a parking lot on Ferry Street to wait for races.

Officers conducted 18 vehicle stops and found most of the motorists were from Jersey City, the director added. Tickets were issued for illegal parking and various moving violations, police said.

"We will not tolerate street racing or other activities that needlessly endanger the lives of others," Ambrose said in a statement. "It is particularly disturbing to see that this problem is primarily caused by out-of-towners. These activities aren't tolerated in their towns and won't be tolerated in ours."

Ambrose said police would continue the effort in response to complaints from residents.

Last Sunday, a city police officer was patrolling the area for racing and stopped to issue a parking ticket to a vehicle that hit and dragged him, according to authorities. The officer suffered serious injuries and prosecutors later charged a 27-year-old man with a range of offenses in the hit-and-run.

The public safety director urged anyone with information about quality of life issues and other crimes to call the 24-hour Crime Stoppers' tip line at 877-NWK-TIPS (877-695-8477) or NWK-GUNS (877-695-4867). Anonymous tips would be kept confidential and could lead to a reward, according to police.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.