There’s been a major crackdown across the force area.

More than 30 motorcycles have been seized and 23 arrested as police say “there is nowhere to hide” for those who take part in anti-social behaviour.

As part of Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week earlier this month, a multi-agency programme of activities – focused on key issues in the community – took place across the Force area.

This included policing patrols, stop-and-search activities, community engagement and proactive arrest warrants.

Police officers also supported the councils’ Housing, Licensing and Trading Standards teams on visits to properties linked to reports of ASB to issue warnings.

Neighbourhood Policing teams increased their visibility through proactive patrols of areas, such as parks, green spaces and town centres, which have been linked to reports of ASB.

They also joined forces with the Operation Coastwatch team to provide support in dealing with ASB at the coast during busier periods.

Over the course of the week, more than 20 people were arrested for offences ranging from serious assault to dangerous driving.

A variety of tactics were also deployed to target illegal bike riders, with support from drone specialists, local authorities and Northumbria Police’s dedicated road safety Operation Dragoon and motorcycle ASB Operation Capio teams

The Trojan Bus was also rolled out to catch illegal riders off guard.

A total of 34 motorcycles, e-bikes and scooters were uplifted as a result – with one pedal bike found to have been converted into an e-bike capable of reaching speeds up to 72mph.

Police officers, the fire service and council also attended schools to give educational talks on anti-social behaviour, the illegal use of motorcycles and fire safety.

A number of dispersal orders were issued in various locations – which provides officers and Police Community Support Officers (PSCO) with the power to exclude individuals from a designated area to prevent crime, disorder, or public harassment.

Chief Superintendent Darren Adams, of Northumbria Police, said: “Anti-social behaviour has no place in our communities – and we will continue to show zero tolerance to this issue.

“We recognise this is a key issue for our businesses and residents – and we are listening. We are employing every tactic available to us to bring this behaviour to an abrupt stop.

“Whether it takes eyes in the sky or boots on the ground, there is nowhere to hide for people who continue to flout the rules and act in an anti-social manner. We will find and arrest those responsible – and bring them to justice.”

Ch Supt Adams continued: “It’s also key that we make youngsters aware of the dangers they pose to themselves and others if they were to decide to take part in anti-social behaviour.

“Motorcycle anti-social behaviour is especially dangerous and can result in people getting seriously injured – as we have sadly seen across our Force area.

“I would also like to request that people in our communities continue to report any suspicious activity from their area to us.

“This information can often prove extremely valuable in our quest to bringing offenders to a stop.

“Please reach out to us online if you have any information which you think we need to be aware of – and we can then look to take the appropriate action.”

To report concerns or suspicious activity, send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use the report forms or live chat function on the Force’s website.

If you’re unable to use the above methods, call 101.

In an emergency, or if a crime is taking place, always call 999.