Crossbow and guns seized in Jarrow raid as part of police crackdown on serious crime

Officers fighting serious crime carried out a string of raids on six properties last week, seizing a cannabis farm and a dozen weapons.

The action-packed week formed part of Operation Sceptre – a co-ordinated effort to clampdown on knife crime and serious violence.

Officers in South Tyneside smashed their way into a house on Saxon Way, Jarrow, on Tuesday, November 10, where they recovered two small hand guns along with a crossbow and two other replica firearms.

A 33-year-old man was arrested and has since been released under investigation.

That same day, searches at an address on Cromwell Avenue, Winlaton saw two air rifles and an air pistol seized. A 61-year-old man has been issued with a court summons.

A cannabis plant was uncovered in Benwell and £5,000 of cash was seized in Fenham in linked raids.

Four people were arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply in Cowgate on Friday, November 13 and a crossbow, two firearms and suspected stolen motorcycles were seized.

Those arrested, two men, aged 25 and 20, and two women, aged 30 and 19, have been released under investigation as enquiries continue.

Read more: Nine criminals jailed in October and November for offences across South Shields and South Tyneside

Detective Inspector Sally Macdonald who helped coordinate the operation said: “Carrying a weapon is not acceptable in any circumstances and anyone we find to be in possession of one can expect to be dealt with robustly and brought before the courts.

“We will continue to act on intelligence, execute warrants and seize any dangerous items to help stop them falling into the wrong hands.

“Our communities can be confident we are taking a proactive approach to tacking knife crime and serious violence and are committed to making sure the streets we live and work continue to be as safe as they can be.”

Northumbria police ask if you have information about someone who is in possession of a prohibited weapon, or want to report any suspicious activity, to contact them using the Tell Us Something page on the force website.

Alternatively, you can speak to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.

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