Operation Avalanche buries criminals

More than 20 vehicles have been seized on roads across Wearside as Operation Avalanche continues to make a difference.

Over the last six weeks, officers in Hetton-le-Hole, Easington Lane and East Rainton have clamped down on a range of crimes includingunlicensedscrap vehicles and metal thefts.

A total of 22 cars and vans have so far been stopped and taken off the roads for various offences as officers work with Sunderland City Council to tackle crime spikes and address any community concerns.

The recent activity falls under Operation Avalanche, which was launchedinJanuarytospecifically tackle anti-social behaviour and other issues which had been raised by residents.

Since the launch, uniformed and plain-clothed cops, along with ward councillors and the council’s anti-social behaviour officers, have carried out dedicated patrols in problem areas to detect and disruptcrime,stopandsearch suspects and offer reassurance to residents.

With the number of reports of youth-related antisocial behaviour and lead thefts having also dropped significantly in recent weeks, officers believe the hard work and teamwork shown is reaping rewards.

InspectorNickGjorven, of Northumbria Police, said:“OperationAvalanche waslaunchedintheHetton area to tackle the issues identified by our communities.

“We’ve spoken with a number of residents about what they were seeing, and a lot of hard work has gone into tackling a range of crimes including anti-social behaviour, unlicensed scrap vans and lead thefts.

“My message to the people of Hetton, Easington Lane and surrounding areas is one of reassurance – we have made great strides so far but our work is not done, and we will continue topatrolproblemareasand deal with anybody involved in criminality. “