'Kids destroying their own town'
Vandals have shattered 18 windows at Hetton interchange just days after the rear wall of a butcher’s was knocked down by a stolen car before the occupants fled the scene.
A sudden spate in vandalism has sparked Cllr David Geddis to hit out at those responsible who are ‘destroying their own town’.
It comes as police figures show antisocial behaviour has dropped in recent weeks, but an inspector has vowed not to become ‘complacent’.
Northumbria Police has confirmed an investigation is ongoingafteranumberofwindows were smashed at Hetton Interchange in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Coun Geddis said they appeartohavebeen‘shotoutpossiblywithanairrifle’,although this has not been confirmed.
ItfollowsanincidentonFriday night where a suspected stolen car crashed into a wall totherearofMcMurchieMeats Ltdbeforetheoccupantsmade offandabandonedthevehicle.
Independent Coun Geddis said: "There’s just a lack of respect from the kids and the teenagers and they’re destroying
their own town – really destroying it.
"We’ve got people now investing in private security and cameras because they are so worried.”
Force figures show between November 2020 and this month, Northumbria Police has seen a 30% overall reduction in antisocial behaviour reports in the Hetton and Houghton areas, with youth disorder specifically reducing by 41% compared to the previous eight-week period.
CounGeddissays,however, they need a substantial police presence in Hetton – which has been backed by residents’ calls on social media who are outraged by the latest damage.
"I raised the issue at the
town council meeting before this happened with the windows were put out,” said Coun Geddis.
“We are like the forgotten land–it'slikeSunderlandstops at the A19.”
“It’saveryfriendlyplacebut this is turning people off.
Inspector Nick Gjorven said: “We will not be complacent and will continue to work hand-in-hand with our partners and the public to tackle anti-social behaviour, ensuring those who bring misery to others are dealt firmly and appropriately.”
Anyone with any information regarding the incident at Hetton Interchange should contact 101 quoting log number 85 19/01/21.