News
Operation WAYS ahead
Dated: 01 Nov 2012
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An operation in Gateshead has seen youth anti-social behaviour (ASB) drop more than a quarter.
Using new shoulder cams, officers have been targeting problem areas to capture the actions of those committing offences, helping towards a 26% reduction in youth ASB compared to the same period last year.
The Outer West Neighbourhood Policing Team has been running Operation WAYS to crackdown on anti-social behaviour and disorder while educating youngsters about the issue.
The operation links in with the forcewide initiative to tackle anti-social behaviour - "put yourself in their shoes".
Inspector Cheryl Warcup has been leading the operation. She said: "The initiative met its aim of reducing anti-social behaviour in the area. Not only have we been cracking down on underage drinking and alcohol sales, we've been speaking with young people to understand their views and perceptions of issues affecting them.
"The majority of youngsters are well-behaved and don't cause any problems but unfortunately there are a few who tarnish the reputation of others by causing disorder and disruption.
"We've found using tactics such as talking to young people and using the shoulder-cams has helped communication between us - helping lead to a drop in incidents."
The team has also seen a decrease of 13% in non-youth related ASB from the same period last year.
Insp Warcup added: "The operation not only focused on youth disorder but we have also continued to crackdown on adults who commit anti-social offences.
"This involved working with our partners to tackle issues such as environmental health, littering and drunk and rowdy behaviour."
Cllr Peter Mole, cabinet member for safer, stronger communities and culture at Gateshead said:
"As a local councillor, I know just how concerned local people are about drink-fuelled anti-social behaviour. Operation Ways has helped to identify those concerns and turn them into direct and effective action, with the result that we have made a big difference to local people’s lives.
"Gateshead Council is a keen supporter of Operation Ways. This is another example of how Northumbria Police and Gateshead Council are working together to help make the borough a safer place for everyone."