Gateshead gets tough on Anti-social behaviour
8th February 2016
Throughout February Gateshead West Neighbourhood Policing Team ran a policing operation aimed at tackling youth ASB and disorder in west Gateshead.
Operation Crimson saw officers step up activity across areas including the Metro Centre,Winlaton, Crawcrook, Ryton, Blaydon and Dunston.
Historically these are the areas that tend to see the biggest increases in youth ASB incidents and disorder while the schools are off and so the activity was ran to coincide with the school half term holidays.
The operation was a great success and the neighbourhood policing will look to run it again later on in the year.
Activity included –
– Extra patrols by officers and CSOs in known trouble hot spot areas day and night – Using police powers to seize alcohol and move on groups of youths.
– Joint police and security patrols at the Metro Centre – Focusing on key areas like the yellow mall and transport interchange and challenging those causing problems.
– Home visits to youths found causing ASB and disorder – Parents spoken to about their child’s behaviour and possible further action being taken unless they behave.
– Test purchase operations carried out at 14 licensed premises in the area – Four of which sold alcohol to children and will now face further action.
– Walk throughs and visits to local pubs – Supporting bar staff and management to deal with alcohol related ASB and disorder.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Vera Baird, said: “I welcome this proactive policing from Northumbria Police and it’s good to hear about the positive impact it’s having for our communities in Gateshead. Activity such as this demonstrates that when an issue is raised, police and partners will come together to take action against the small minority involved in causing anti-social behaviour and reduce the impact it has on a neighbourhood.
“I congratulate the good work of all those involved in this operation and will continue to ensure tackling ASB remains a top priority for our force. I encourage anyone with any concerns about ASB in their area to get in touch with their local police officers so that appropriate action can be taken.”
Neighbourhood Inspector Cheryl Warcup said: “Operation Crimson has worked really well in helping us tackle youth ASB and disorder in Gateshead over the last few weeks and especially while the schools have been off. We know that this is when issues with youths hanging around and causing problems tend to peak and so we planned the activity in advance and focused on our most problematic areas.
“The result has been some really positive feedback from local residents, businesses and councillors. Reports of ASB and disorder have dropped and we have done some really positive work around identifying known trouble makers and taking action.
“The work at the Metro Centre has been really well received by staff and customers and we’ve noticed a definite improvement in levels of ASB during February. Likewise with the Team Valley Valentine fair – the event brings a lot of young people to the area and has the potential for problems and so we were on the front foot in ensuring this wasn’t the case. We had officers alongside the police cadets at the fair and ensured there was a visible presence while it was here – reassuring and speaking to people and preventing offences from happening.
“I have to give a special mention to the force’s police cadets who were invaluable throughout all of this operation. They played a part in every aspect and they were a credit to themselves and the force, we will definitely be looking to work with them again in the future.
“Tackling ASB and disorder will remain a priority for us and residents can be reassured that this activity will continue and we will continue to crack down on those causing trouble in our neighbourhoods.”
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