Frustrated Newcastle residents have had their say on the troubling anti-social behaviour that has been blighting their area at an emergency meeting. Nine bus services have been temporarily removed in Blakelaw after a number of teenage vandals began causing havoc in the area.
As previously reported by Chronicle Live, Colin Newbury, Operations Director at Stagecoach North East, said that the decision to introduce temporary diversions "has not been taken lightly" but the company must "act now before someone is seriously injured". Northumbria Police is working with Stagecoach to tackle the serious issues in the area.
Emergency meeting held
On Thursday evening, residents were invited to an emergency meeting where they could put their questions directly to representatives from Northumbria Police, Newcastle City Council, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, Stagecoach and the Empowering People in Communities (EPIC). Many residents attended the meeting, which was held at the Blakelaw and District Social Club, and was organised by councillors Irene Turnbull, Gavin Hutchinson and Rachel Davison.
Northumbria Police's Neighbourhood Inspector Paul Cook told the meeting that the force became aware of issues in Blakelaw at the end of August. However, before that, the areas of Blakelaw, Fawdon and Kenton had some of the lowest rates of anti-social behaviour in the whole of Newcastle.
Targeting firefighters
But from August 30, a raft of issues began to be reported to the force. Insp Cook said: "There were wheelie bin fires and rubbish fires where youths were trying to entice the fire service out and then targeting them by stone throwing. This is deplorable. Buses were subjected to damaged windows and drivers feel quite intimidated by that."
The meeting was told that one family home in Lilac Crescent was targeted by youths, who were kicking the doors to the home and "ramming scooters against the door". Insp Cook said that two suspects were identified from that incident, and one set of parents were "mortified" that their children were involved.
The meeting heard that the Paradise Gardens Chinese takeaway had also been targeted, and that 60 eggs had been stolen from the nearby Spar, which were then thrown at vehicles and buses. Windows were said to have been broken on a "regular basis".
Arrests and fires
Insp Cook corrected previous reports that said nine children had been arrested in connection with anti-social behaviour incidents. He said that nine suspects had been identified, but only four were arrested. The inspector told those at the meeting that despite many parents of these youths being "mortified" at the offences being committed, there is "very little in the way" in regards to others.
Another issue that was raised at the meeting concerned arson attacks on Blakelaw fields, which Insp Cook said could have devastating consequences on the nearby high rises. Stones had also been thrown at staff at a local Esso garage and petrol pumps tampered with.
Insp Cook said that it can be very difficult to identify the culprits - who are generally aged between 14 and 17-years-old - as they wear balaclavas and ride around on E-bikes. He said that many of the youths are also coming in from other areas, including Newbiggin Hall, and Westerhope.
Preventative measures
Insp Cook said fireworks are also an issue, and preventative measures are going to be in place for Halloween and Bonfire Night. He said that when youths are caught, they aren't cautioned anymore but instead put onto courses to avoid criminalising people from a young age.
Many residents said they felt this was merely a "slap on the wrist" for those committing the offences. Insp Cook also told the meeting that it is important for residents to report matters, saying: "We want to identify as many of these little miscreants as possible and get them dealt with." The meeting was told that despite a number of anti-social issues being reported, there have so far been no reported instances of an individual being targeted.
Ian Stewart, station manager at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service also addressed those attending the meeting and said despite firefighters being targeted, he wanted to reassure the community that the service will still be providing emergency responses.
Residents' questions
During the question and answer part of the meeting, one concerned resident asked the Stagecoach representatives what needs to happen to get the buses back on, and when that is likely to be. The meeting was told that drivers would need to be able to "operate safely" and for attacks on buses to be stopped before they are restarted. They added that they want the buses back as soon as possible.
Another resident asked police why officers could not use E-bikes themselves to chase offenders. He asked: "When chasing kids, why don't you use E-bikes like Cleveland Police? You're chasing groups of kids in cars, they know all of the little ways and alleys. Police officers should be on bikes as well - use the E-bikes against them."
Insp Cook replied that something relating to that question was being looked at but is in the "early stages". He added that Operation Maverick is currently in place to deal with motorcycle crime.
One resident told the meeting that the parents of the youths committing anti-social behaviour must be held responsible. He said: "The families must have to pay for the damage their children are causing. The families involved need to be sorted out."
999 call wait
One woman complained that she called 999 when a gang of youths were throwing fireworks outside of the Blakelaw club. She said she was on hold for 40 minutes. Northumbria Police's Acting Chief Inspector Paddy Hannon apologised to the resident, but detailed how "demand stops resources" sometimes.
A coach from Blakelaw Football Club also explained how fires have been blighting their pitches and that young players are scared to train for fear of being run over by E-bikes. She suggested whether or not fencing could be erected on the fields.
Liberal Democrat councillor for Newcastle City Council, Peter Lovatt, was also on the panel for the meeting. He said: "There is a huge concern with anti-social behaviour and a lot of work is being done with the police. It is really important that residents do report incidents. It is vital so that we can target these issues."
