Warning to teenage troublemakers as undercover police tackle anti-social behaviour on Metro trains

Officers are warning teenage troublemakers that they face serious repercussions as undercover police are set to target problems on the Metro.
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On Tuesday, February 4, Operation Hades was launched. Now, we will see plain-clothed cops and Nexus staff on board trains across Metro services as a crackdown on anti-social behaviour begins.

This follows a spate of incidents reported on trains since 2020 began including youths kicking out train windows and acting in an anti-social manner towards passengers and staff.

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On Friday, January 31, a group of youths kicked out 10 windows of a Metro carriage near Four Lane Ends and the train had to be taken out of service.

Plain-clothed police officers and Nexus staff will be on board trains across Metro services. 
Photo: Northumbria PolicePlain-clothed police officers and Nexus staff will be on board trains across Metro services. 
Photo: Northumbria Police
Plain-clothed police officers and Nexus staff will be on board trains across Metro services. Photo: Northumbria Police

Police have warned that any offenders face swift prosecution as the passengers around them could be undercover officers, both during the day and on an evening.

Sergeant Tim Hand, of Northumbria Police’s Metro Unit, said: “Our priority is to always to make sure passengers enjoy the Metro service in a safe and hassle-free environment.

“Over the last few weeks, we have been made aware of increasing incidents of disorder on trains across the network – especially in North Tyneside between Benton and Howdon.

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“This type of behaviour is totally unacceptable and we will take robust action against anybody who brings misery to their fellow passengers or staff.”

The operation has been launched in response to incidents of anti-social behaviour on Metro services.
Photo: Northumbria PoliceThe operation has been launched in response to incidents of anti-social behaviour on Metro services.
Photo: Northumbria Police
The operation has been launched in response to incidents of anti-social behaviour on Metro services. Photo: Northumbria Police

Nexus will be taking part in the joint patrols.

A Nexus spokesman said: “Recent incidents of criminal damage where train windows have been kicked out are totally unacceptable and we are determined to find those responsible.

“Overall crime on Metro remains low but there is a small minority who seem determined to spoil it for law abiding passengers who use the service to travel around.

“Anyone who gets caught damaging our trains will face prosecution through the courts and a possible ban from the Metro system.

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“Nexus spends almost £500,000 a year cleaning up behind vandals who show no regard for the inconvenience they cause other people – or the cost to the taxpayer. We are determined to take a tough line on confronting this problem.”

Anyone who witnesses disorder is asked to call 101. In an emergency, ring 999.