Operation Impact returns to Sunderland

As the year comes to an end, Northumbria Police’s Sunderland Area Command is doing anything but slowing down.

Operation Impact returned on Friday, December 12, targeting the Silksworth and Pennywell areas of the city.

The day saw nine arrests, two stop and searches, multiple premises visited, Community Protection Notices and Warnings issued and more than two hundred traffic and driving offences reported.

Officers worked with partners from the likes of the North East Regional Crime Unit (NEROCU), Sunderland City Council, Immigration Enforcement and Trading Standards to focus on the disruption of serious and organised crime, preventing disorder and all-important community engagement.

The operation also responded to concerns of anti-social behaviour, motorbike-related crime and the sale of illegal products in and around the city.

Two warrants were executed on Marley Crescent and Penistone Road – with one man, aged in his 30s arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.

Class A drugs were recovered from the property on Marley Crescent along with an air weapon, cash and a mobile phone believed to be linked to the supply of drugs.

A stop and search resulted in the arrest of two people – a man aged in their 30s and a woman aged in their 30s – both on suspicion of being in possession of class B drugs with intent to supply.

A further five arrests were made across the day.

Officers from the Force’s Serious Violence Disruption Unit (SVDU) and Op Dragoon hit the streets on the look out for wanted suspects while also cracking down on any traffic related offences.

Five offences were reported for driving with no license, no insurance and no MOT.

More than two hundred offences were reported by Northumbria’s Camera Enforcement Unit on Chester Road and Springwell Road.

The Force’s dedicated motorbike disorder team, Op Capio, were out in full force tackling motorbike-related disorder in Silksworth, Pennywell and Thorney Close.

While the Community Engagement van circulated the area speaking to members of the public about any concerns they may have in their local area.

Sunderland City Council and Gentoo were supported by officers to issue Community Protection Notices and Community Protection Warnings to problem addresses.

As well as carrying out dog walker and business engagement and parking enforcement in the Pallion and Silksworth areas.

Environmental services also removed and reported multiple fly-tipping offences and delivered notices to properties for waste presentation and fly-tipping.

Trading Standards and Immigration enforcement paid unexpected visits to local premises believed to be involved in the sale of illegal produce and illegal working. 

This resulted in one arrest, one Home Office fine, as well as counterfeit items, illegal hand-rolling tobacco, cigarettes, and vapes recovered.

Inspector Natalie Orton, of Sunderland’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “The results shown across the day of action are testament to just how much of an impact our officers have within the area.

“And that’s exactly what Operation Impact is designed to do.

“We’re committed to being there when the public need us by listening to them and tackling the issues that matter the most in their local area.

“Our request is simple – please continue to work with us by sharing information on suspected criminality.

“That way we can take action on those who think it’s acceptable to cause unrest in your neighbourhoods.”

Members of the public who have concerns about suspected criminality in their area, can send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use the live chat or ‘report’ form function on the Force’s website.

Those who are unable to contact police online, can call 101.