Targeted week of action

Officers have been out in force in a Wearside community as part of a week of activity to crack down on crime and engage with the public.

The dedicated activity took place in the Houghton-le-Spring, Hetton-le-Hole and Easington Lane areas, to prevent crime and listen to the concerns of local residents.

Nuisance anti-social behaviour (ASB) issues were tackled with deployments at green spaces and park areas which are known for illegal vehicle riding, using drone technology in the process. A total of four bikes, two Sur-Ron and two motorbikes were seized after they were identified as being suspected stolen or having no insurance.

A total of four stop-searches were carried out resulting in two arrests for possession of cannabis, one in the Copt Leigh area and another on Newbottle Street, with another seeing a person arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods on Sunderland Street in Houghton.

The Trojan Bus was also deployed with plain-clothed officers on hand to spot any ASB in the areas.

Joint visits were carried out with Sunderland City Council’s Trading Standards team, the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) and Immigration Enforcement, resulting in the seizure of over 300 illegal cigarettes. A closure order is being progressed for the business on North View Terrace in Chilton Moor. 

Officers, supported by Police Cadets, delivered approximately 400 Crimestoppers leaflets and carried out extensive community engagement across 10 large streets which have been identified as ASB hotspot and high-crime areas.

Officer patrols were stepped up too, with a number of inputs taking place at local schools. Liaising with counterparts at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS), young people took part in Phoenix programme sessions, which use practical firefighter training activities to help young people develop essential life skills while making safer choices.

The Force’s Operation Dragoon team hit the area’s roads to carry out their own patrols and also spot any driving offences.

Alongside partner organisation Sunderland City Council, checks were made on local businesses to ensure they are complying with regulations.

Superintendent Scott Cowie, of Northumbria Police’s Prevention department, said: “Policing is much more than just putting in front doors and making arrests, as this week of activity demonstrated. It’s also about strengthening our communities by listening to your concerns and acting upon them in a strategic way so that we reduce crime and ASB over time.

“Officers from a host of different teams were involved in the timetable of events as we made arrests for a variety of offences and boosted community engagement by speaking to people.

“We also targeted those using vehicles to carry out anti-social behaviour, which is something nobody should have to put up with on their doorstep at any time.

“Alongside that, by working together with our local authority partners, we’re making sure that retailers in the area are abiding by the law, providing reassurance to the general public in the process.”

Supt Cowie added: “I’d like to thank each and every person – officers, staff and volunteers as well as those in our partner agencies – who took part in the planning and execution of the week of activity. Our sincere hope is that we’ve been able to further build the local community’s trust in us.

“Rest assured, we will continue to be a visible presence in our communities and ensure we are here when the public need us the most, delivering on our priorities to keep people safe and fight crime with an enhanced focus on prevention.

“Please remember that if you do have concerns about something in your area, we are here to listen, take note and carry out the necessary action.”

To report concerns or suspicious activity, contact your local police via their website or 101. In an emergency, or if a crime is taking place, always call 999.