Community Concerns Over Anti-Social Crime in South Tyneside
Several residents of South Tyneside have expressed doubts about the effectiveness of police and political responses to ongoing issues of anti-social behaviour (ASB) and crime in the area.
Residents report that groups of youths and criminals, seemingly unafraid of police intervention, are intimidating and terrorising local communities. One individual described the environment as resembling the "Wild West".
Following an incident where their van was attacked with an axe, a family from East Boldon shared with the BBC that they had contemplated relocating entirely from South Tyneside.
In response to rising concerns, a social media group dedicated to reporting ASB has attracted over 2,000 members within four weeks.
Northumbria Police stated that they are collaborating with local authorities to address ASB, while South Tyneside Council indicated it has increased efforts in identified "key hotspot areas." However, the builder whose van was attacked expressed skepticism, stating,
"There's no law, or law enforcement."
The footage of the van attack was captured on the family's doorbell camera
The builder initially thought the noise outside was caused by a crash due to the severity of the attack, only to discover that the left side of the van closest to the house had been damaged.
He contacted the police, who reportedly informed him that it was unlikely the offender would be apprehended.
"They didn't come, they weren't interested."
His partner conveyed feelings of fear and frustration over the lack of a thorough investigation into the incident.
"It's the fact there was someone driving around the estate with an axe, an offensive weapon, and it was a case of 'they will be miles away by now'."
Police later closed the investigation into the van attack citing "evidential issues."
Community Impact and Public Perception
Sandra Goodsir reported that her relatives avoid visiting South Shields town centre due to crime concerns.
Footage of the van attack was shared on social media, alongside numerous posts depicting smashed windows, youths riding various bikes, and large groups gathering in the town centre.
Speaking outside the South Shields bus and Metro interchange, Sandra Goodsir described regularly witnessing children throwing stones at windows and passing vehicles.
"Friends of mine won't come down, elderly people especially.
My husband used to have a drink at the local pubs, but he won't come down to Shields now."
The interchange is among the areas of concern, with reports of groups of youths congregating during evenings and weekends.
One passenger expressed a sense of futility about visiting the town for leisure activities, stating it was
"pointless"due to the likelihood of encountering trouble.
'War Zone' Estate and Social Media Reporting
Mark Berriman, an independent candidate in a local council election, explained that the community social media page was created to enable residents to report issues and bring them to the attention of authorities.
He noted that many residents had ceased reporting problems due to perceived inaction, but the group encourages sharing footage with police or council officials.
Berriman described Biddick Hall, an estate in the area, as a "war zone" and stated,
"The children don't fear adults anymore."
He also highlighted problems with individuals riding e-motorbikes, which police often struggle to apprehend.
He recounted an incident where two powered bikes collided with the rear of a car, resulting in the vehicle being written off and the owner facing financial difficulties affecting planned holidays.
Recently, Stagecoach North East suspended services in the area after buses were obstructed and targeted with thrown objects.
The company cited the suspension as necessary to
"protect the safety of its customers and drivers."
Police and Council Responses
Chief Inspector Phil Baker of Northumbria Police acknowledged that a minority of individuals are responsible for the disturbances and outlined ongoing operations and patrols, including the Trojan Bus initiative, which deploys plain-clothed officers on public transport.
He mentioned a dedicated taskforce operating across South Tyneside and Sunderland to report riders and seize vehicles.
"It is a common myth that officers can't always pursue and make tactical contact with these vehicles,"he said.
"There are specially-trained teams through our Roads Policing Unit who can do this where it's safe to do so.
Where it may not be appropriate to pursue vehicles directly, we can call on our in-house drone pilots and the National Police Air Service, or use DNA marking spray on offenders."
Northumbria's Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth stated she would
"continue to monitor"drone deployment and noted a
"programme of activity"planned to tackle ASB.
South Tyneside Council urged residents to report ASB through official channels to ensure incidents are logged, investigated, and addressed by appropriate agencies.
Transport operator Nexus affirmed its commitment to maintaining safety and security at the South Shields interchange and has provided a dedicated security team.
Despite these efforts, one woman in South Shields told the BBC,
"It's like the Wild West in the North East."
Her companion added,
"All you need is the tumbleweed coming down."
