15 arrests made on Tyneside as Northumbria Police seize Class A drugs, weapons and stolen bike

Officers carried out proactive activities in the town focused on tackling serious violence and organised criminality in the community. 

This included increased patrols, knife arch activity at Gateshead transport hub and searches of five addresses, during which Class A drugs, weapons and a stolen motorcycle were seized, as well as £2,000 in suspected criminal cash.

A total of 15 people were also arrested and a further 15 were stopped and searched across the day of action.

In the afternoon, officers from the Neighbourhood Policing team were also joined by the Mounted Section for patrols in Low Fell and various engagement activities focused on prevention.

Inspector Gillian Menzies of Northumbria Police’s Neighbourhood Policing team in Gateshead, said: “Operation Impact is about tackling the issues which matter most to our communities in a very visible way.

“This is activity we are carrying out day-in, day-out to keep people safe but it is not always seen.

“We are extremely pleased that we were able seize a haul of dangerous substances and cash as we work to ensure our communities are free from criminality and the harm these substances bring.

Insp Menzies added: “I hope this goes to show that as a Force, we listen to the concerns of residents in our communities and take appropriate action.

“Our officers will continue to act on intelligence received, taking a proactive approach to keep people safe and fight organised crime right across the Force area.

“Nobody wants this type of criminality happening on their doorstep and, as shown time and time again, it can lead to a range of other issues such as anti-social behaviour and violence.

“I’d ask that the community continue to help us by providing information which can assist us in our work.

“You are our eyes and ears and we greatly value the contribution you make in assisting our work to tackle crime.”