A group of teenagers who engaged in ‘serious antisocial behaviour’ and car crime have received an early morning wake-up call from North Tyneside Council and Northumbria Police.
On Tuesday morning the council’s Community Protection Team, backed by officers from Northumbria Police, called at 14 homes in North Shields in connection with a series of incidents across the borough.
Occupants were served with legal action warnings and told their tenancies were at risk due to the persistent bad behaviour of young people living under their roofs.
Two properties received a notice seeking possession (NOSP) which is the final warning a tenant receives before eviction proceedings begin. A NOSP was also issued last week during a similar operation against one of the group’s ringleaders.
The action was part of Operation Respect; a joint initiative between the council and police which aims to stamp out antisocial behaviour in parts of the borough.
Richard Mitchell, Community Protection Manager, said: “Once again we have been able to take firm and decisive action through Operation Respect, working closely with Northumbria Police to tackle those responsible for antisocial behaviour in North Tyneside.
“This is a group of young people whose behaviour has caused real problems and distress for residents across the borough.
“We have previously appealed to their parents to try and put a stop to this behaviour but that has failed to make a difference, and we have now resorted to tougher measures.
“The majority of young people in North Tyneside are a credit to their families and communities but some are determined to cause trouble and they need to understand the consequences if they do not change their ways. Above all, they should think about the impact on their victims, as well as their own lives and families.”
Neighbourhood Inspector Jennifer Scott of Northumbria Police said: “I hope this acts as a strong warning to others – action will be taken against you for the good of the area if you can’t be a considerate member of the community.
“We want people who live in, work in and visit North Tyneside to use and enjoy what the region has to offer, both during the day and in the evening, and feel safe doing so. By working with our partners at the council, Operation Respect plays a vital role in ensuring that happens.
“North Tyneside is a great place to live and boasts fanatic community values, most residents love and respect the area. Anyone found deliberately causing chaos and acting in an anti-social manner will be dealt with swiftly."
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.
