Police stop 100 people in ‘festive’ operation
Police officers have stopped more than 100 people, issued nine criminal protection notices for disorder and made three arrests as part of a festive operation which has seen a fall in antisocial behaviour.
Antisocial behaviour has nearly halved in Sunderland city centre after Operation Elf was launched to tackle crime and disorder in the lead up to Christmas.
Working in partnership with Sunderland City Council, Sunderland Business Improvement District (BID) and the Bridges, officers have been carrying out targeted patrols in the city centre as part of Operation Elf to tackle anti-social behaviour and violent crime – as well as ensuring the safety of shoppers.
The operation has seen an increased police presence in the city centre to coincide with the increased footfall that spikes during the Christmas countdown – and any crime that could come as a result.
During the first fortnight of the operation, police stopped more than 100 individuals, issued nine criminal protection notices for disorder, made three arrests and issued three summons to court. A number of dispersal orders were also put in place to tackle pockets of disorder.
Sergeant Maria Ord, who is spearheading Operation Elf, said: “We know that 2020 has been a really challenging and different year for all our communities.
“However, as expected, we
have seen a gradual increase in footfall across the city centre throughoutDecemberasshopperscomeintothecitytospend their money.
“Operation El f was launched to ensure the safety of those shoppers, both in terms of ensuring they are covid compliant, but also making sure criminals do not seek to take advantage.”
Kirsty Currie, Operations Manager at Sunderland BID, added: “After such a difficult year for trading our centre businesses are relying on everyone’s support by shopping local, but we have to ensure it is done safely for everyone’s benefit.”