Police swoop rounds up wanted suspects

In a planned 48-hour operation warrants were carried out throughout Wednesday and yesterday as dozens of officers working in teams targeted a number of individuals wanted in connection with a series of crimes committed across the region.

Run simultaneously from police stations in South Tyneside and Sunderland, the highly-visible operation - codenamed Operation Gregarious - led to what police describe as a “number of positive results”

The operation ended with a nymber of long-term suspects being taken into custody.

Norfthumbria Police say that, in total, 16 people were arrested as part of the days of action.

The alleged offences range from grievous bodily harm, burglary, attempted robbery, harassment, threats to kill and witness intimidation.

Temporary Superintendent Barrie Joisce, of Northumbria Police, says he believes the operation has sent out a strong message.

He said: “Over the last 48 hours we’ve been running a really proactive operation across the area.

“This was to target a number of our high-profile wanted suspects.”

He added: “It’s been a really successful operation with multiple arrests made.

“It’s been high-profile, highly-visible and a concerted effort across the board to locate suspects wanted in relation to a range of offences.

“I want this operation to send out a really strong message to all in the communities we serve – that we will take positive action to tackle criminal activity.

“I also want it to reassure victims that we will do all we can to bring people to justice.

He added: “Anyone with the intention of disrupting or harming community life will be dealt with proportionately, and we will continue to work hard to ensure those living and working in this region are kept safe.”