Community ‘reassured’ by ‘hard work’ of police to disrupt criminality in Newtown

The praise comes after officers gained powers to stop and search individuals in a bid to disrupt and prevent serious violence and anti-social behaviour.

At least 17 individuals were stopped and searched with six subsequently arrested from Wednesday 5 February into the early hours of Friday 7 February.

Members of the community have highlighted their ‘reassurance’ at the ‘huge’ policing activity and how officers have been ‘working hard’ which has ‘improved’ the area.  

One member of the public said they ‘confidently’ ring the police as they want to keep improving where they live, while another said they feel ‘reassured’ by the officers’ presence in the area.

The disruption led to four men being charged and remanded in custody in connection with offences that include possession with intent to supply, possession of a knife and possession of a class C drug.

Officers recovered drugs from five individuals that are estimated to be worth £3,500 and recovered a quantity of cash from two people.

Three individuals were subsequently summonsed to court or received out of court disposals.

Chief Inspector Andy Evans, from Stockton’s neighbourhood policing team, said: “Hearing these comments is hugely positive for our officers who are determined to disrupt criminals suspected of causing serious violence and anti-social behaviour as well as partaking in drug activity.

“We rely on members of the public to report information, it goes a long way in helping to remove criminality from our streets. I hope this has given residents the confidence and reassurance to get in touch and is an example of how we do listen to what you say, and we do act on it.

“Officers come to work each day with the aim of making a difference to our community and our aim will continue to be to make Stockton an even safer place to live, work and visit.”

Councillor Norma Stephenson, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Access, Communities and Community Safety said:

“We work very closely with the police to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in our communities and it good to see that the Police’s recent interventions to disrupt and prevent serious violence is having clear results.

People deserve to live free from the fear of crime and I’m pleased to hear that residents are reassured and feel more confident to report criminal activity.”

To report criminal activity, please call Cleveland Police on 101 or visit our website.

Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.