Joint patrols pay dividends

09-SEP-09

Issued by: Duncan Bennett

Joint patrols by North Tyneside Council and Northumbria Police led to a dozen warnings being issued for illegal motorbike riding.

Council wardens and Community Support Officers carried out three separate patrols of parks and open spaces across the borough.

Twelve vehicles seizure warning notices were issued for illegal motorbike riding and 19 containers of alcohol were seized.

The patrols took place on Tuesday 18 August, Friday 21 August, Saturday 22 August in parks including Weetslade Country Park, Rising Sun Country Park and Springfield Park as well as waggonway routes.

Neighbourhood Chief Inspector Max Black, of North Tyneside Area Command, said: "Tackling anti-social behaviour is a borough wide neighbourhood priority for our officers.

"We know this is an issue that communities are concerned about which is why we regularly conduct joint patrols with council staff to deal with it and take positive action.

"We have also been targeting problems of motorbikes causing a nuisance in areas of Wallsend and Killingworth.

"We will continue to tackle problems identified by local people, this is part of out Policing Pledge to make sure police patrols are where and when you need them most.

"If anyone has any policing concerns in their community, please contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team on 03456 043 043 ext 69191."

Cllr Ed Hodson, Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: "It's vitally important that the borough's parks and opens spaces are safe and attractive places for people to enjoy.

"These joint patrols with the police are having a big impact of tackling issues of anti-social behaviour."

The wardens taking part in the patrols were Richie Barnes, Chris Dominiczak and Lisa Pallister. They were joined by Community Support Officers Chris English and Kevin Regan and PC Ian Grant.

Police can issue vehicle seizure warnings under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002. If a bike is seen causing a nuisance it can be seized and crushed. If a rider who has been previously warned, but rides another motorbike, the bike can also be seized by police.

ENDS