Arrests and vehicle seizures in Sunderland villages’ crime crackdown

Northumbria Police said it came as a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) issues green spaces and park areas around Houghton-le-Spring, Hetton-le-Hole and Easington Lane.

Four bikes, two Sur-Rons and two motorbikes, were seized after being identified as possibly stolen or having no insurance.

a bike seized by police during a crime and anti-social behaviour crackdown in Herrington Country Park and in nearby Houghton-le-Spring and Hetton-le-Hole (Image: Northumbria Police)

Four people were stopped and searched with two people arrested for possession of cannabis, and arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods on Sunderland Street, in Houghton.

Joint visits by the trading standards team, the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) and immigration officers, resulted in the seizure of over 300 illegal cigarettes.

A closure order is being progressed for the business involved on North View Terrace in Chilton Moor, Northumbria Police said.

Superintendent Scott Cowie from Northumbria Police 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.

A motorbike seized by police during the asb prevention week in Herrington, Houghton and Hetton areas of Wearside (Image: Northumbria Police)

“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.

“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.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, added: “The range of activity which took place is more than just tackling crime and anti-social behaviour.

“It’s about preventing it from happening in the first place and making a real difference in our communities.

“Visible policing and enforcement will always play an important role, but they cannot deliver long-term change on their own.

“That’s why, through Northumbria Police, the Violence Reduction Unit and our partners, we are focused on a preventative approach that tackles the root causes of offending and reduces harm before it escalates. 

“Earlier intervention is key to that approach, ensuring we identify vulnerability early and put the right support in place at the earliest opportunity, through joined-up working with communities and local services.”

Michelle Coates, Community Safety Manager at Sunderland City Council, said: “This week of activity is a strong example of how effective partnership working helps keep our communities safe.

“By working closely with Northumbria Police, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and other partners, we are able to tackle anti-social behaviour, support compliance among local businesses and address the issues that matter most to residents.”