Warning to teenage troublemakers on Metro

Officers are warning teenage troublemakers that they face serious repercussions as undercover police are set to target problems on the Metro.

On Tuesday, Operation Hades was launched. Now, we will see plain-clothed cops and Nexus staff on board trains across Metro services as a crackdown on anti-social behaviour begins.

This follows a spate of incidents reported on trains since 2020 began including youths kicking out train windows and acting in an anti-social manner towards passengers and staff.

On Friday, January 31, a group of youths kicked out 10 windows of a Metro carriage near Four Lane Ends and the train had to be taken out of service.

Police have warned that any offenders face swift prosecution as the passengers around them could be undercover officers, both during the day and on an evening.

Sergeant Tim Hand, of Northumbria Police’s Metro Unit, said: “Our priority is to always to make sure passengers enjoy the Metro service in a safe and hassle-free environment.

“Over the last few weeks, we have been made aware of increasing incidents of disorder on trains across the network – especially in North Tyneside between Benton and Howdon.

“This type of behaviour is totally unacceptable and we will take robust action against anybody who brings misery to their fellow passengers or staff.”

Nexus will be taking part in the joint patrols.

A Nexus spokesman said: “Overall crime on Metro remains low but there is a small minority who seem determined to spoil it for law abiding passengers who use the service to travel around.”