Wanted man among 120 fare dodgers caught in just FOUR HOURS in South Shields Metro crackdown

A suspected who has evaded police for months was among 120 fare dodgers caught during a special operation on the Metro.
By Fiona Thompson
Published 21st Feb 2020, 17:10 BST
Updated 21st Feb 2020, 18:01 BST
Nexus staff with officers and Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness.Nexus staff with officers and Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness.
Nexus staff with officers and Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness.

The 20-year-old man wanted on suspicion of dangerous driving was detained by Northumbria Police as he got off a train at Chichester Station last night, Thursday, February 20 – and was greeted by police and Nexus staff.

It came as they and Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness took part in Operation Carousel across the South Tyneside stations as part of an ongoing plan to get more police and staff out on the system at night.

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After failing to present a valid ticket, Nexus staff took the man’s details – before a police check showed he was wanted.

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He was arrested and spoken to in connection with a three-vehicle crash on Westoe Road last May.

Inquiries are continuing after he was released under investigation.

The action comes after new figures revealed around two-thirds of Metro train fare-dodging fines were unpaid during the last financial year.

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Chief Inspector Nicola Wearing said the operation aimed to deal with antisocial behaviour on the trains and at hotspots where groups gather.

She added: “We know the significant effect that antisocial behaviour can have on the communities we serve, particularly on the most vulnerable who can be made to feel intimidated or frightened in their own home or whilst going about their everyday life.

“Operation Carousel was not a one-off and we will continue to take swift and robust action against anybody who brings misery to residents and behaves in an antisocial manner.”

Ms McGuinness said: "Kids will be kids and it’s only a small number who cause real trouble but those who do need a wake-up call.

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“They need to know unwelcome behaviours won’t be tolerated.”

From left, Sergeant David Stobbs, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness and Chief Inspector Nicola Wearing.From left, Sergeant David Stobbs, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness and Chief Inspector Nicola Wearing.
From left, Sergeant David Stobbs, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness and Chief Inspector Nicola Wearing.

Chief operating officer at Nexus, Martin Kearney said: “This was an excellent operation by our staff and the police as we step up our efforts to keep the Metro system safe and secure for passengers.

“I was able to join the patrols and saw the great work that is being done to provide community assurance on the network.”