More than 1,000 anti-social behaviour complaints made to Sunderland police in May as figures show slight fall

Complains about anti-social behaviour have fallen slightly following an explosion of reports after the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.
Lee Street, in Southwick, Sunderland, where nine complaints were made about anti-social behaviour.Lee Street, in Southwick, Sunderland, where nine complaints were made about anti-social behaviour.
Lee Street, in Southwick, Sunderland, where nine complaints were made about anti-social behaviour.

Northumbria Police stressed that a “significant proportion” of the 1,148 cases were suspected breaches of emergency covid-19 legislation such as house parties or gangs congregating outdoors.

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Now May’s figures, which have been published by the Home Office, show that the number of anti-social behaviour incidents has fallen by 59 to 1,089.

This accounts for more than 43 per cent of the overall 2,529 crimes logged across the city’s four policing neighbourhoods and is still more than double May 2019’s 437 figure.

Blackspots included Fulwell Quarry Nature Reserve, with 22 complaints, Bridge Crescent, close to the River Wear, with 16 complaints, and Lee Street, in Southwick, with nine complaints.

Northumbria Police have again said the figures should be viewed in context following the introduction of social distancing restrictions triggered by the pandemic.

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They also insist they “will continue to take a proactive approach in tackling pockets of disorder”.

A force spokesman said: “We would continue to ask everyone to follow the modified regulations.

“Personal responsibility is now key. We all have a responsibility to respect our communities and our fellow citizens and we must not undermine everything we have sacrificed during lockdown.”

May’s overall figure for reported crime across Sunderland, 2,529, fell by 131 compared to April’s 2,660 total although it is still 72 cases higher than May 2019’s 2,457 number.

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Anti-social behaviour was then responsible for less than a fifth of all crimes reported across the Sunderland Central, East, North and West policing neighbourhoods.

The Northumbria Police spokesperson added: “We understand the corrosive and harmful impact that anti-social behaviour committed by a minority of individuals can have on the communities we serve.

“As a result, we will continue to take a proactive approach in tackling pockets of disorder and work closely with partners to ensure hotspot areas are identified and those responsible are appropriately dealt with.”

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