Households associated with crime and anti-social behaviour in North Tyneside received an early wake up call this week.
Getting underway from 7am on Tuesday (April 5), North Tyneside Council and Northumbria Police paid visits to 10 homes in the Wallsend and Howdon areas.
The action is part of Operation Respect – a joint initiative between the local authority’s Community and Public Spaces Protection team and North Tyneside Area Command.
Aimed with tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, the initiative saw people receiving last chance warnings or told eviction proceedings had begun on their homes.
Their offences include drunk and disorderly, theft, criminal damage, breach of the peace, drug offences, threatening behaviour, intimidation and burglary.
Speaking after the visits, Colin Boxshall, manager of the Community and Public Spaces Protection team, said: “North Tyneside Council is committed to taking swift action to deal with issues of anti-social behaviour, ensuring the borough continues to be a safe and great place to live and to visit.
“Fortunately anti-social behaviour is not widespread here, but where it does occur it can have a big impact on the lives of those living nearby.
“These joint operations with the police are proving to be very effective and are making a big difference to our communities.”
During the visits, those who are homeowners received legal action notices and council tenants received notices of seeking possession. Other tenants visited were warned that their tenancies will be at risk and other future action could include Anti-Social Behaviour Injunctions and Orders, if further complaints are received.
And those in private rented accommodation were told that the council will help their landlord to evict them if their behaviour did not improve.
Wallsend Neighbourhood Inspector, Mark Storey, said: "Northumbria Police is committed to addressing the issues that are affecting our communities, be it crime or anti-social behaviour related.
"Behaviour of this description is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. We will continue to work together with partners in North Tyneside Council to take enforcement action against anyone whose behaviour is having a detrimental effect on the community.
"I ask anyone who does have any issues with anti-social behaviour or crime to contact the neighbourhood team on 101."
As well as speaking to perpetrators, the police and council officers delivered letters to neighbouring residents advising them of the joint action and encouraging them to report any further anti-social behaviour they witness.
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