Extra patrols have been drafted into hotspot areas of Biddick Hall, Whiteleas and All Saints in the West Shields area of South Shields.

And on the first weekend, police stopped 110 people and seized 64 bottles and cans of alcohol.

Two people were arrested and charged with being drunk and disorderly.

Off-licences in the areas were also visited, although none were found to be breaking the law.

The campaign, targeting youth disorder every Friday and Saturday night, is in response to residents' concerns of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage.

Neighbourhood Sergeant for West Shields, Richie Miles, said: "Crimes such as criminal damage, anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related disorder can have a huge impact on people's quality of life.

"We also know that a lot of minor crimes and anti-social behaviour are caused by young people under the influence of alcohol and we are working with Trading Standards to clamp down on the sale of alcohol to youngsters.

"It's encouraging to see that all the off licences visited so far were complying with the law.

"We're also working with South Tyneside Council about tenancy enforcement and anti-social behaviour orders.

"The success of the operation so far shows that we will not tolerate these crimes and we will continue to work with our partners to stamp them out."


The operation is a joint venture with South Tyneside Council's Community Wardens and Anti-Social Behaviour Unit as well as Trading Standards, and backs Northumbria Police's forcewide initiative "We asked... you said...we did".

Coun Joanne Bell, lead member of safer and stronger communities, added: "We want people in our communities to feel safe and proud of the area in which they live.

"Criminal damage and anti-social behaviour are problems that can really blight an area but they will not be tolerated."