Teens arrested and Surron seized in crackdown on antisocial behaviour in Middlesbrough town centre

An operation in Middlesbrough town centre, targeting serious violence, antisocial behaviour and drug dealing in the town, led to the arrest of two teenagers and the seizure of a Surron electric bike this weekend.

Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Policing Team carried out the operation on the evening of Friday 13th February, with visible patrols in the town centre.

At around 5:30pm CCTV operatives witnessed a boy on a pedal cycle who was believed to have been involved in a suspected drugs exchange. He was tracked on CCTV until officers patrolling on foot intercepted him on Albert Road. The officers detained him, taking him from the bike and he attempted to flee. He then became volatile during arrest, assaulting one of the officers.

The 15-year-old was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs and assaulting an emergency worker, before he was taken to police custody for questioning. He has since been released under investigation.

Shortly after this incident, at 6pm, officers were patrolling near to McDonalds on Linthorpe Road in the town when they spotted a Surron electric bike riding dangerously across footpaths and in the pedestrianised area of the precinct.

The officers managed to jump in as the teenager rode past and remove him from the bike, before he was arrested.

The 16-year-old was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, having no licence and no insurance, and the Surron bike he was riding was seized. He was taken to police custody and released on bail after he was interviewed.

Sergeant Joe Mountain of Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “Violence, antisocial behaviour and drug dealing are high priority for us in Middlesbrough town centre, and the public are sick of this dangerous criminal behaviour putting other people at risk.

“We will do all we can to deal with these issues and will continue to carry out more operations like this.

“If you have information on drugs, antisocial behaviour, the criminal use of bikes or anyone carrying weapons please get in touch on 101 or online at www.cleveland.police.uk.

“If you feel that you cannot provide this information directly to police, you can provide this information anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org ."