A SUPER’S VIEW Encouraged and inspired by local spirit

This is my first column of 2021 – and I sincerely hope this year is a better one for everyone across the North East and beyond.

It goes without saying that the last 10 months have been a significant challenge for everyone, but my team and I have been encouraged and inspired by the spirit shown within our communities.

We will need that togetherness over the coming months too, I am sure, but would like to thank everyone for your ongoing support in following the Government’s restrictions, helping the NHS and ultimately saving lives.

From a policing perspective, we have hit the ground running in 2021 when it comes to our most wanted fugitives who have been evading arrest for some time.

You may have recently read that across Sunderland and South Tyneside, we were able to arrest 21 long-term suspects within a single week.

They were wanted in connection with a range of offences across our region – including arson, burglary, stalking and the importation of controlled drugs.

That positive action sends a strong message out to criminals who operate across our region – we will turn up at your door, you will be arrested, and by working together with our communities we will ensure this region remains a safe place to live and work.

Our neighbourhood teams each have their respective key issues that they continue to tackle.

But whether it be antisocial behaviour or burglary, I want to reassure you that we are and will continue to use every tactic at our disposal to bring offenders to justice.

Meanwhile, if people see anything suspicious in the neighbourhood they should report it to police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of their website or by calling 101. In an emergency, or if a crime is happening, always ring 999.