Drugs, weapons and counterfeit cash have been seized as part of efforts to tackle anti social behaviour in Bedlington. It comes amid warnings from a local councillor that issues have surged in recent weeks and are 'blighting' the lives of residents.
Multi-agency operation
Northumbria Police and Northumberland County Council joined forces as part of Operation Safer Northumberland to execute warrants, seize illegal goods and address community safety concerns. Northumberland Fire and Rescue and housing association Bernicia were also involved in what has been described as "significant enforcement activity".
The council said the execution of one warrant "led to the seizure of drugs, weapons, counterfeit currency and a motorbike". Furthermore, a number of individuals are due to be interviewed as suspects.
Council response
Northumberland county councillor Gordon Stewart, Cabinet Member for Public Safety said: "This targeted and visible operation is a great example of the impact we can achieve when our council teams, police, and housing partners work hand-in-hand. By seizing illegal goods, tackling problematic tenancies, and engaging directly with the public we are sending a clear message that we listen to our community's concerns and that we are working very hard to disrupt and stamp out criminal and anti-social behaviour."
Elsewhere, partners undertook community engagement activities at Gallagher Park and through joint engagement visits across the area, strengthening relationships with residents and providing reassurance within the community. Enforcement work with Trading Standards resulted in the confiscation of goods that did not comply with toy safety legislation, while county council licensing checks identified issues relating to alcohol licensing and gathered intelligence regarding suspected illegal tobacco sales.
Residents' concerns
The council said: "The operation demonstrated the effectiveness of partnership working in tackling crime, anti-social behaviour and community concerns while promoting safer and stronger neighbourhoods across Bedlington."
Coun Malcolm Robinson, who represents the Bedlington West ward on the county council, said the results were "great" but warned more needed to be done. He said: "Anti social behaviour has blown up all of a sudden. The police are telling us as councillors to tell people to report everything so they can get a cross section of where the hotspots are.
"I have had reports of anti social behaviour that is blighting the lives of some of the residents. People are really getting upset and they don't know where to turn. There is not much I can do, but I can bring in other agencies. I have been in touch with the police and housing providers so lets see what we can do about it.
"The results of the operation were great, but we need it done next week and the week after that. It's not a one trick wonder, we need sustained pressure - we need to change mentalities."
Future operations
The Operation Safer Northumberland partnership has carried out similar days of action this year in Blyth, Seaton Delaval, Alnwick, Berwick, Morpeth and surrounding rural areas, with multi-agency action days being planned.
