Crimes prompt ‘almost constant’ police presence in neighbourhood
premises in School Road.
“We have had almost a constant presence in the area.
“This has included utilising our Operations department (traffic, dogs and firearms) tasked to the area due to several issues of crime and disorder.
“I can assure you that this is one of the area priorities and we are working with partners to solve the problems whilst keeping the rest of the community safe.”
Despite the problems in East Rainton, the report, which the committee was told had been written by Inspector Nick Gjorven, added there had been a “notable decrease” in antisocial behaviour in the Coalfield area.
But it concedes this was likely due to the coronavirus lockdown, with a rise in the number of group gatherings, especially in Hetton Lyons Park and Houghtonside.
It also echoed concerns Insp Gjorven raised with the area committee in 2019 that thieves may try to steal boilers from vacant properties and warned checks on scrap vans had been ramped up.
Other key items in the report included:
A fall in the number of house burglaries
Lead thefts have “all but disappeared”, although this may be due to more people staying at home during the day due to lockdown
The number of “unauthorised encampments” in Hetton Lyons Park and Houghton may have been higher this year (2020) due to the cancellation of Appleby Fair, due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Violent crime has risen slightly, particularly “assaults in the home”
Officershopea“significant sentence” coul d be handed down after a man was arrested and charged in connection with a string of burglaries and thefts from vehicles.