Northumbria Police target Newcastle nightlife to stop offenders preying on vulnerable partiers

The Night Time Economy is being targeted by Northumbria Police to stop offenders preying on those enjoying their night out in Newcastle.

Operation Cloak sees dedicated uniformed and plain-clothed police officers placed in busy areas looking for signs someone may be vulnerable or in need of help and identifying people who may be out to commit offences.

Operation Redeemer was established to identify vehicles of concern in the city which were being used by offenders during busy evenings- falsely operating as a licensed taxi.

The operation doesn’t just look at those operating unlicensed taxis however, but all vehicles of concern, to prevent the vulnerable becoming victims of sexual violence when visiting Newcastle city centre.

Officers went out on 17 occasions across an eight-week period and carried out a total of 80 interventions, many of which were to check on those who appeared to be vulnerable – such as lone females.

A total of 15 vehicles were seized by officers, with one found to have been used for criminal activity, and the others found to have been used by drivers with no insurance.

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Fourteen arrests were made, covering offences such as suspicion of drink-driving, possession of a bladed article, possession of Class A and Class B drugs, as well as three arrests for suspicion of possession of an air weapon in a public place, while an application has also been made for an interim sexual risk order against one offender.

One summons was issued to a man for operating an unlicensed taxi.

Chief Inspector David Wheeler, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is a fantastic set of results which show how seriously we take the safety of every member of the public at all times.

“Our region is well-known for a having a safe and vibrant nightlife and we are proud of the role we play within this.

“Following the success of Operation Cloak, we have been able to build on this work and identify offenders who are targeting the vulnerable.

“I want to be clear that we will continue to closely monitor the Night Time Economy and bring those responsible for taking part in this type of predatory offending to justice as swiftly as possible.

“This is very much a joint effort and we are committed to working with our partners to build on the extensive work already under way to ensure people can continue to enjoy a night out in a safe and friendly environment.”