Police evict a nightmare neighbour after being called to a South Shields street 21 times in a year

Officers were called to Broughton Road in South Shields on more than 40 separate occasions since January 2019, including 21 times last year for a range of alleged offences including anti-social behaviour, assault and criminal damage.

The Old Post Office on the South Shields street had gradually become a hive for the unwanted behaviour, attracting drug users and some of the town’s transient community.

Due to the number of complaints, Northumbria Police worked with South Tyneside Council to hold a series of meetings and issued an ultimatum to the landlord.

Now the tenant has been relocated out of the area and the address in questions has been secured.

PC Karl Peterson, of Northumbria Police, said: “We received a number of complaints about this address which resulted in regular callouts for our officers, often late at night.

“Neighbours complained about the sheer number of people coming and going from the address, the anti-social behaviour from those inside and the intimidating effect it was having on others in the community.

“Nobody should have to put up with anti-social behaviour, and frankly, the tenant has made life a misery for many families living nearby. That’s why we, along with South Tyneside Council stepped in and have taken action.

“Together, we were able to meet with the private landlord on a number of occasions along with the tenant, and a decision was agreed to find alternative accommodation for the occupant to bring an immediate stop to the escalating problems.”

A spokesperson for South Tyneside Council added: “Anti-social behaviour can make people’s lives a misery and this tenant’s behaviour was having a real negative impact on neighbours.

“The council and South Tyneside Homes worked closely with the police to resolve the problem as quickly as possible and bring some respite to the local community, as well as securing accommodation for other people who had been staying at the address.

“Everyone has the right to feel safe and comfortable in their home and we will continue to use all the tools and powers available to us to tackle anti-social behaviour.”

Support your Gazette and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest football stories and new puzzles every day.

With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Click here to subscribe.