Yobs who caused chaos at a shopping centre hurling abuse at staff and customers and causing damage received a rude awakening on Thursday morning.
Members of North Tyneside Council’s Community Protection Team, backed up by Northumbria Police, visited nine homes across the borough to warn parents to keep their children under control or face action.
It followed a spate of incidents at Killingworth Shopping Centre and the Lakeside Centre in which teens, aged 14-16, caused havoc by riding bikes indoors, damaging equipment and intimidating staff and customers.
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The operation got under way at 7am with officers calling at council-owned and private rented properties in Longbenton, Palmersvillle, and Forest Hall.
The occupants were served tenancy enforcement letters and legal action warnings due to the actions of the young people under their roof.
The action was part of Operation Respect; a joint effort between the council and police which aims to stamp out anti-social behaviour in various parts of the borough.
And there was a stark warning for the young people and their families about further legal action should the behaviour continue.
Ritchie Mitchell, Community and Public Space Protection Manager, said: “North Tyneside is a safe place to live, and we work exceptionally hard in partnership with the police and the community to keep it that way, through coordinated actions such as Operation Respect.
“We have very effective systems in place for sharing information, identifying those responsible, and gathering evidence to tackle antisocial behaviour.
“Today’s activity sends a very strong message that we will not tolerate abuse, criminal damage, and the harassment of the public. We will always take firm and decisive action against anyone whose behaviour has a detrimental impact on the community and local people’s quality of life.”
Northumbria Police’s Sergeant James Brady said: “We know how the anti-social behaviour of a minority can have a corrosive impact on our communities and firmly believe no one should be made to suffer through it.
“Days of action like today and the partnership work between council and police are vital in our joint mission to keep North Tyneside a happy and safe place to live and visit for all.”
He added: “Anyone found to be deliberately causing chaos and behaving in an anti-social manner will be dealt with swiftly and robustly.
“We ask that parents always know the whereabouts of their children and would encourage anyone who witnesses anti-social behaviour to contact police.”
Residents can report criminal or anti-social behaviour confidentially to the Police on 101 (dial 999 in an emergency) or to the Community Protection team on 0191 643 3333, by email to community.protection@northtyneside.gov.uk, by Twitter @NTC_ASBTEAM or by visiting the ‘report it’ section of the council’s website.
