Sunderland Echo

Police hail op to tackle antisocial behaviour

- Ryan Smith Ryan.smith@jpimedia.co.uk @Ryansmithn­ews

One year on since the launch of Operation Avalanche, Northumbri­a Police have hailed it as a success in tackling antisocial behaviour.

Following a spike of youth disorder in both Houghton and Hetton, Northumbri­a Police launched the operation on January 21, 2020.

Spearheade­d by the neighbourh­ood policing team and ran in partnershi­p with Sunderland City Council, antisocial behaviour reports have dropped by up to 30% and youth disorder specifical­ly has almost halved in the areas.

The disorder included vandalisma­nd the smashing of bus windows while passengers remained onboard and despite the successes, a number of windows were smashed at H et ton Interchang­e between 4 am and 5am on Tuesday.

Officers have revealed more than 50 teenagers have been dealt with by home visits, with some persistent offenders reported for public order offences.

Northumbri­a Police's Inspector Nick Gjorven hailed the impact of Operation Avalanche, but insisted nobody is getting complacent about the positive results.

He said: “The overwhelmi­ng feedback has been positive –which supports our crime figures;anti social behaviour and specifical­ly youth disorder has markedly decreased.

“We know that the anti social behaviour of a minority can have a significan­t impact on the public and can make some of

our most vulnerable residents feel frightened or anxious in their own homes.

“It has made a significan­t difference.

"Between November 2020 and this month, we have seen a 30% overall reduction in anti social behaviour reports in the Hetton and Houghton areas, with youth disorder specifical­ly reducing by 41% compared to the previous eight-week period.

“While the figures all show a welcome reduction, the unacceptab­le criminal damage on Tuesday reiterates the need to maintain this momentum and continue to work hard to tackle this type of offending.”

 ??  ?? Bus windows were damaged during the height of the disorder.
Bus windows were damaged during the height of the disorder.
 ??  ?? Police have hailed Operation Avalanche as a success.
Police have hailed Operation Avalanche as a success.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom