Bus shelter windows shattered in night of vandalism as Hetton councillor says youths are 'destroying their own town'

A sudden spate in vandalism has sparked a Coun David Geddis to hit out at those responsible who are ‘destroying their own town’.

It comes as police figures show anti-social behaviour has dropped in recent weeks but an inspector has vowed not to become ‘complacent’.

Northumbria Police has confirmed an investigation is ongoing after a number of windows were smashed at Hetton Interchange in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Coun Geddis said they appear to have been ‘shot out possibly with an air rifle’, although this has not been confirmed.

It follows an incident on Friday night (January 15) where a suspected stolen car crashed into a wall to the rear of McMurchie Meats Ltd before the occupants made off and abandoned the vehicle.

Independent Coun Geddis said: "There’s just a lack of respect from the kids and the teenagers and they’re destroying their own town – really destroying it.

"We’ve got people now investing in private security and cameras because they are so worried.”

Force figures show between November 2020 and this month, Nothumbria Police has 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.

Coun Geddis says, however, they need a substantial police presence in Hetton – which has been backed by residents’ calls on social media who are outraged by the latest damage.

"I raised the issue at the town council meeting before this happened with the windows were put out,” said Coun Geddis.

“We are like the forgotten land – it's like Sunderland stops at the A19.

“It’s a very friendly place but this is turning people off.

"It’s not just the cost of the destruction, it’s the reputation of the village and the area.”

Nexus workers cleared the smashed glass from the interchange on Tuesday morning.

A Nexus spokesman said behaviour like this is ‘completely unacceptable’, adding: “Work is ongoing in the local area to tackle issues of youth disorder and police patrols have been stepped up. This includes high visibility patrols and plain clothed policing.”

Inspector Nick Gjorven said: “We know that the anti-social behaviour of a minority can have a significant impact on the communities we serve and can make some of our most vulnerable residents feel frightened or anxious in their own homes.

“As a result, we run a number of dedicated operations throughout the year to tackle crime hotspots, identify those involved in anti-social behaviour and ensure we take swift action against them.

“One of those operations last year was Operation Avalanche which was run in Hetton and Houghton-le-Spring specifically to tackle youth disorder following some concerns raised by residents. That resulted in dozens of youths being dealt with and long-term solutions being put in place to prevent reoffending."

“However, we will not be complacent and will continue to work hand-in-hand with our partners and the public to tackle anti-social behaviour, ensuring those who bring misery to others are dealt firmly and appropriately.”

Anyone with any information regarding the incident at Hetton Interchange should contact 101 quoting log number 85 19/01/21.

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