Police seize quadbike and car in anti-social behaviour crackdown after firefighter is struck by brick

Peterlee Police seized a quad bike and a car over the weekend following three nights of anti-social behaviour incidents last week in Wheatley Hill.

A dispersal order was put in place after police and fire services attended the village’s disused greyhound track last week in response to reports of a group of around 20 young people causing damage to derelict buildings and setting refuse alight.

One 16-year-old male was arrested on Thursday, May 13, after a firefighter was struck by a brick.

Over the course of the weekend, 10 dispersal notices were issued, which ordered people to leave the area or risk arrest, three youths were taken home and five more were collected by parents.

On Saturday, two 17-year-olds were stopped after purchasing alcohol from a shop using the driving licence of an older woman as ID.

Police say one-to-one meetings have been carried out with parents of children identified as being involved in the incident on Thursday and add that the individuals have had their details passed to intervention teams.

Three of the youths have also been placed on Acceptable Behaviour Contracts.

Inspector Emma Kay, of Peterlee Neighbourhood Policing Team, said after the weekend action: “As previously stated, the behaviour on display last week will not be tolerated, and with the help of partner agencies we have taken firm action against those attempting to continue it this weekend.

“We have had serious and frank conversations with the parents of offenders, who must take responsibility for where their children are and what they are doing."

The dispersal order was put in place in Wheatley Hill from 5pm on Friday, May 14, until 5pm on Sunday, May 16.

Inspector Kay added: “I hope that the positive results we’ve seen this weekend will go some way to reassuring the community that we are keeping a close watch on anti-social behaviour, and will continue to take robust action where necessary, working alongside our colleagues in the fire service and local authority to address these issues.”

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