Sunderland’s coastal communities targeted in police asb crackdown

Operation Impact targeted the Seaburn, Fulwell, Roker and neighbouring areas of the city.

Northumbria Police officers were joined by partner agencies for the crackdown, on Friday, June 12.

Police out and about in Sunderland as part of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour (Image: Northumbria Police)

A warrant was executed at an address on South Terrace in Southwick, where a quantity of prescription medication, primarily pregabalin, was seized.

Three mobile phones were also recovered, along with approximately £4,000 in cash and several sets of weighing scales.

A 62-year-old man and a woman, aged 34, were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class C drugs.

Both have since been released on bail pending further investigation.

Operation Impact on mainly coastal areas of north Sunderland earlier this month (Image: Northumbria Police)

Officers from the local Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) and the Mounted Unit conducted high-visibility patrols along the coast, including in Roker Park, as part of Operation Coastwatch, following reports of anti-social behaviour involving large groups of young people in the area.

Members of Northumbria Police’s Mounted Unit cooling down after taking part in Operation Impact (Image: Northumbria Police)

A third arrest was made during the day of activity, as a man, aged 34, who was wanted for failure to appear in court, was apprehended by officers.

Members of the force’s Operation Capio team carried out patrols in Fulwell Quarry with support from the Drone Unit and Sunderland City Council’s safety team.

The area is a known hotspot for off-road bikes being used in a nuisance manner.

Police on patrol in Roker Park, Sunderland, as part of Operation Impact (Image: Northumbria Police)

Officers seized two electric scooters in connection with anti-social behaviour.

Plain-clothed officers were deployed on key bus routes where there have also been reports of anti-social behaviour.

Speed watch vans, which were deployed on Dame Dorothy Street, Keir Hardie Way, Ferryboat Lane and Chester Road, recorded 182 offences, with those responsible subsequently being issued with fixed penalty notices.

Inspector Chris Eccleston, of Sunderland’s NPT, said: “Days like this are a testament to the impact our officers have within the community.

“That’s exactly what Operation Impact is designed to do.

“We are committed to being there when the public need us by listening to concerns and tackling the issues that matter most in local communities.

“Our message is simple: ‘Please continue to work with us by sharing information about suspected criminality’.

“This allows us to take action against those who think it is acceptable to cause disruption in your neighbourhoods.”

Councillor Bill Blackett, Sunderland City Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Enforcement, said: “As a council, we are committed to making Sunderland’s streets safer and we’re proud to be working closely with Northumbria Police on initiatives such as Operation Impact.

“Joint operations like this are incredibly important in the fight against crime and anti-social behaviour, enabling us to work together to tackle the issues we know matter most to our residents.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has come forward with information and intelligence to help keep our communities safe.

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“The support of local people is vital in helping us identify problems and take action where it is needed most.”

Members of the public who have concerns about suspected criminality in their area can send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use the ‘live chat’ or ‘report’ form on the force website.

Anyone unable to contact police in those ways online can call 101.