Knives seized and arrests made as police crack down on Newcastle thieves

Weapons have been seized and suspects arrested as part of a crackdown on thieves during a week of co-ordinated action by Northumbria Police.

Officers from the force stepped up efforts to apprehend most wanted robbery suspects as part of Operation Calibre, which took place from November 20 to 27.

A total of 19 arrests were made during the week, with five for suspected robbery offences.

Four suspects have since been charged to appear in court, one in connection with a robbery offence, two for possession of drugs with intent to supply and another for possession of a bladed article and cannabis.

A bracelet taken in a robbery in which the victim was threatened with a knife was recovered by officers from one suspect, who was also found to have £500 in Class A drugs in his possession.

A joint operation between police and Trading Standards officers from Newcastle City Council meanwhile saw 16 shops visited, with retailers reminded of the importance of not selling knives to underage customers.

High visibility patrols and plain clothes deployments also took place, with a focus on high harm areas. The work resulted in 77 stop checks and 36 stop searches being carried out.

The Force’s knife arch was in operation at Metro stations in partnership with operator Nexus, British Transport Police and Neighbourhood Officers, part of activity which saw high visibility engagement with members of the public.

A total of five knives and a quantity of ammonia were seized by officers during the week of activity.  

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Pescod, of Northumbria Police, said: “Our officers worked tirelessly throughout the week to apprehend some of our most wanted suspects.

“Thanks to their efforts, alongside those of our partner organisations, we have managed to seize a number of weapons, reclaim several items of stolen property and carry out meaningful engagement with the public and retailers.

“Our work in this area will not stop now that this week of action is over however. We remain committed to bringing robbery offenders who think they can act without impunity in our communities to justice and seizing weapons.”

Det Chf Insp Pescod added: “I’d ask that members of the public continue to work with us by providing any information which can help us track down our wanted suspects so that we can get them into custody.

“We would also encourage people to stay safe in around the Christmas and New Year period, making sure you are aware of your surroundings at all times and to keep high value possessions concealed if possible as this reduces the chance of offenders seeing an opportunity to commit robbery.”

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “This operation has seen it all – really robust action from officers fighting crime in our region.

“People will have seen the knife arches at metro stations and more officers patrolling the streets and across our transport networks, but there has also been so much happening behind the scenes to throw resource into catching suspects and making key arrests too.

“Robbery, theft, violence, drugs – there is no place for any of it in the North East, and news that 19 arrests have been made and drugs and weapons have been seized as part of these efforts is certainly welcomed by me and no doubt residents too.”

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Cllr Irim Ali, Cabinet member for a Dynamic City at Newcastle City Council, said: “We are committed to working with Northumbria Police and partners to tackle knife crime and anti-social behaviour.

“This work highlights the need for retailers to put robust measures in place and provide training for staff to prevent knives being sold to young people.

“Our Trading Standards team will continue to play our part in promoting best practice, providing advice to businesses, monitoring retailers’ activity and taking enforcement action where necessary.”

Anybody who sees anything suspicious in their area is asked to report it via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of Northumbria Police’s website or by calling 101.