FORTY suspects stopped by police in crackdown on anti-social behaviour in city centre

A post-festive effort to tackle a rise in bad behaviour in Sunderland city centre has led to a 22% drop in incidents.
By Fiona Thompson
Published 28th Feb 2020, 12:38 BST
Updated 1st Mar 2020, 10:37 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Operation Asteroid has ran for the last two years in response to a historic spike in anti-social behaviour at this time of year involving groups of teenagers.

Over the New Year, officers on Wearside once again saw a sharp rise in youth-related crime with groups of young people travelling into the city centre and causing disruption to visitors and businesses.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

As a result, the third instalment of Operation Asteroid was launched at the beginning of last month – and has had a significant impact.

Operation Asteroid has looked at tackling antisocial behaviour caused by teenagers at this time of year for the last two years.Operation Asteroid has looked at tackling antisocial behaviour caused by teenagers at this time of year for the last two years.
Operation Asteroid has looked at tackling antisocial behaviour caused by teenagers at this time of year for the last two years.

Reports of antisocial behaviour in the city centre reduced by 22% in January compared to December 2019, while the total number of reports have shown a six per cent drop since January last year.

Sergeant Maria Ord, of Northumbria Police, said: “We are well into the third year of Operation Asteroid and are absolutely delighted with the results so far.

“Overall, we’ve seen a marked decrease in the number of youth-related anti-social behaviour reports in the city centre – and that is due to great problem-solving, partnership working and good old-fashioned policing.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“So far we have issued 38 dispersal notices banning large groups from congregating in specific areas and stopped more than 40 people suspected to have been involved in antisocial behaviour.

Police Community Support Officer Mick Casey and Pc Martin Smith on the beat in the city centre.Police Community Support Officer Mick Casey and Pc Martin Smith on the beat in the city centre.
Police Community Support Officer Mick Casey and Pc Martin Smith on the beat in the city centre.

“Sixteen juveniles and two adults have been referred for intervention from social services and other agencies, while we have charged one person with public order offences.

“Three others have been summonsed to court, one person has been issued a caution and another has been referred to the youth offending service.

“The positive figures show our message is being heard.

“This work will continue over the coming weeks as we endeavour to minimise antisocial behaviour and deal with anyone involved robustly.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuiness added: “This operation has clearly been effective and we need to keep building on its success.

“Listening to concerns and taking strong action is what the people of Sunderland want to see.”