Police tell of the 'corrosive effect' a troublesome minority can have on community as they urge public to report incidents

Northumbria Police has sought to reassure concerned families it is serious about tackling the ‘corrosive effect’ a small number of people and incidents can have on a community.

But the force added there are also teams working in the region who may be better able to address the root causes of some issues.

“We are committed to taking appropriate action against anybody found to have committed a criminal offence,” said a police spokesman.

“Our neighbourhood teams also work hand-in-hand with the local authority and relevant partners in order to address particular concerns or issues and ultimately ensure the well-being of our communities.

“However, it is not the role of police to respond to every community issue, such as noise complaints or fly-tipping, which is why local authorities have dedicated teams to help provide long-term solutions to these kinds of incidents.

“If criminal offences have been committed, then we will attend and make sure anybody responsible is dealt with appropriately.”

The force was responding to concerns raised at a meeting of South Tyneside Council’s Riverside Community Area Forum (CAF).

At the meeting, which was held by videolink and broadcast via YouTube, some councillors suggested there was sometimes confusion over whether the public should contact police or their local authority when reporting incidents or concerns.

The panel was told reports of anti-social behaviour (ASB) had risen during the coronavirus lockdown, although this can at least partly be attributed to ‘COVID-related offences’ being recorded as ASB.

The force added: “We take reports of anti-social behaviour seriously and understand the detrimental and corrosive effect that the behaviour of a minority can have on their communities.

“We actively encourage anybody who sees anti-social behaviour taking place, or who is concerned about disorder in their area, to call police.

“We would always encourage anybody who is a victim of crime or who is concerned about anti-social behaviour in their area to contact police on 101 or via our website.”

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