'Safe and secure' - covert police Metro operation sees six arrested in bid to drive down crime
Arrests made as part of Northumbria Police’s new Metro initiative - aimed at fixing anti-social behaviour and crime on the network.
Northumbria Police made six arrests as part of a new 'Trojan Metro' initiative aimed at bringing down acts of theft, anti-social behaviour and harassment.
Following on from the success of the force's Trojan Bus' campaign, which saw a decoy bus loaded with plain clothes police officers abled to react to crime as it happens, a Metro equivalent has now been launched. The first train hit the tracks last week.
The train, appearing to carry only Metro customers, actually also transports plain clothed police officers, ready to respond to crime at stations and beyond. Anti-social behaviour is an issue across the network, with problems causing South Tyneside delays in 2026.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commission, Susan Dungworth, hopes the initiative, funded by Project Shield will make travellers feel safer. She said: "Opportunistic thieves, antisocial groups, harassment - these - or the fear of these, can put people off from catching a bus or a Metro - it can hold people back.
"I want to make sure we are doing all we can to help people feel safe and comfortable on our public transport. I hope hearing about work like this helps deter criminals and increases passenger confidence."
As a result of the first Trojan Metro operation, officers made six arrests on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly, breach of bail and failing to appear before court. A police statement confirmed investigations remain ongoing around public order offences, assault and possession of cannabis. Police also confirmed around 1,000 people passed through station knife arches.
Data shows that, in 2026 so far, across all the hotspot areas, ASB has fallen by 24%, partly due to high visibility patrols and strong partnership work. Deployments on the Metro have been determined by hotspot data and focus on routes connecting areas where members of the public have repeatedly raised concerns.
Chief Inspector Phil Baker, of Northumbria Police, said: "We are using the Trojan Metro as a way to fight crime as it is happening so that we can prevent further disorder – ensuring that all passengers and residents feel safe when using public transport."
Project Shield is a partnership covering joint activity from police and partners working to help deliver safer streets and stronger communities.
Cathy Massarella, Managing Director of Metro operator Nexus, said: “Special policing operations like this are absolutely essential for keeping the Tyne and Wear Metro system safe and secure for our customers."