Crime in Washington West, Sunderland

Officers are working closely with partners to develop a coordinated and sustained approach. This includes:
- Planning open community meetings to engage with residents, listen to concerns, and provide updates on enforcement activity.
- Ongoing collaboration with local councillors and Gateshead Council staff to identify problem locations and explore long-term solutions.
- Developing a multi-agency strategy to address both enforcement and prevention.
- Preparing for proactive and targeted "days of action", bringing together police and partner agencies to disrupt offending, seize vehicles, and deter further anti-social behaviour.

We recognise the disruption, safety concerns, and distress this behaviour can cause. These planned operations will focus on both visible enforcement and long-term problem-solving, ensuring a joined-up approach to tackling the issue.

A focused three-month Problem-Oriented Policing plan is in place, with high-visibility patrols, engagement events for residents and businesses, and targeted operations aimed at offenders to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour. The neighbourhood team has made numerous arrest in relation to prolific shoplifters and have identified several youths involved in ASB sending them on diversionary activities.