Reports of antisocial behaviour (ASB) on the Metro have increased in recent weeks, and Northumbria Police officers "out and about" to remind a "small minority" that "unacceptable behaviour" will not be tolerated.
Last Friday, officers were around the Metro network to speak to members of the public in order to reassure them, address any concerns they may have and help show people how to report ASB. The force is running a number of projects aimed at reducing ASB - including Operation Maple.
That scheme - launched in 2022 in collaboration between the police, North Tyneside Council and Nexus - also sees a dedicated Nexus security team provide a visible presence. Since 2022, Operation Maple has helped to reduce ASB by 30% in coastal areas of North Tyneside and Northumberland, the police said.
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However, following the recent spike in reports, the police are keen to send a strong message to potential offenders. Sgt Tim Hand, of the force's Metro Unit, said: "Our aim is always to ensure that the Metro system is a safe and enjoyable experience for all users, which is why we are committed to tackling anti-social behaviour issues which arise on the network.
"In the past month, officers have noticed an increase in reports of anti-social behaviour on the Metro services and at stations. A considerable proportion of these reports are linked to groups of young people congregating in and around stations or travelling on the system and acting in an unacceptable way.
"The small minority of people who cause problems should be under no illusion that we will take the strongest possible action against those responsible for such activity."
Sgt Hand thanked everyone who supports the police's work on the Metro network, and said he hoped to encourage parents and carers to work with them to help avoid children and young people "being caught up in this type of criminality.”
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness, said: "Getting on board the Metro is a big part of daily life for so many people living in the North East and for these people it’s important the service is reliable, affordable and, crucially, safe.
"Operations like this, which really boost the policing presence across the trains and platforms, are playing a key part in our ongoing efforts to push ASB levels right down. Investing in making our transport networks safer is important to local people and it’s important to me."
The PCC added that the Safer Transport Northumbria project had also run youth engagement activities and days of action to improve safe travel in the region.
To report anti-social behaviour, please call 101 or visit the 'Tell Us Something' page of the Northumbria Police website. In an emergency, or if a crime is taking place, always ring 999.
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