Anti-social behaviour in Newcastle to be tackled with summer-long campaign

Anti-social behaviour hotspots in Newcastle are being targeted in a multi-agency campaign to reassure residents and educate youngsters.

Operation McPhee - fire damaged fencing at Lemington along Hadrian's Cycleway

Newcastle City Council, Northumbria Police and other partners have teamed up for the city’s Operation McPhee, which aims to reduce instances of anti-social behaviour across the six weeks of the school summer holidays.

Partners have been seen in multiple hotspot areas around the city as they look to clampdown on consuming drink and drugs in public spaces; littering; large gatherings; graffiti and criminal damage; antisocial use of motorcycles and related crime.

Cllr Clare Penny-Evans, chair of the Safe Newcastle partnership and Newcastle City Council’s cabinet member for communities, said: “We know how much of an impact anti-social behaviour can have on residents and that’s why we’re making it a priority to educate people about the consequences of their actions.

“Typically there is a large rise in the number of ASB complaints during the summer holidays which has been made increasingly worse with years of government cuts as a result of austerity meaning youth provisions have been hit hard.

“We’ll be out there all summer in the areas that see the biggest problems as we look to find out the underlying causes that lead people to engage in anti-social behaviour and provide education and encouragement to seek better opportunities.”

Trending stories

Newcastle City Council community safety officer Darin Maudlin outlines the scope of Operation McPhee which is being carried out over the summer

Campaign to tackle ASB in Newcastle

Chief Superintendent Janice Hutton, Northumbria Police's lead for anti-social behaviour, said: “Over any school holidays we experience an increase in anti-social behaviour and we do target our patrols in areas most affected.

“We know the summer holidays can be a particular challenge with hotter weather leading to more groups of children gathering in public places.

“It goes without saying that the majority of young people are an absolute credit to themselves and their community and a minority continue to give them a bad name.

“Hanging out with your friends is not a crime but many youngsters can find themselves getting drawn into anti-social behaviour.

“We are asking parents to work with us over the next six weeks and make sure you know where your children are going to be in the evening.

“If you see our officers on patrol then we would encourage you to approach them and raise any concerns you may have about crime in your neighbourhood.”

Operation McPhee - graffiti under bridge at Lemington along Hadrian's Cycleway

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service Group Manager, Peter Iveson, who is also a board member of the Safe Newcastle partnership commented: “It’s very important that we engage with young people and continue to build on the positive relationship that the fire service has with them.

“The school holidays can be a period when some young people may have more spare time available to them and sometimes they do not make the most suitable choices, such as starting deliberate fires.

“Not only can this be a life risk to them and impact their future careers but can also test the fire service as we can’t be in two places at once. By working with our partners on this initiative not only will we be talking to young people about these dangers, but we will be listening to them to hear their concerns too.”

Also taking place during the school holidays is Newcastle’s Best Summer Ever. Newcastle City Council has joined forces with StreetGames to deliver a £1.1million programme of events to provide as many children as possible with activities and food during the summer holidays.

To find out more about Newcastle’s Best Summer Ever, and to see what is available in your area, visit https://www.activenewcastle.co.uk/activity/52

The school holidays can be a period when some young people may have more spare time available to them and sometimes they do not make the most suitable choices, such as starting deliberate fires.