Northumbria Police carried out a major day of crime prevention across Sunderland and South Tyneside on February 9, 2026, to tackle illegal drugs and anti-social behaviour. Officers worked with local partners to conduct early morning raids and increase patrols in areas where residents had reported safety concerns.
According to Detective Sergeant Kimberley Carr, an operation in South Tyneside led to the recovery of approximately £10,000 worth of cocaine and £3,500 in cash, some of which was hidden under a sofa. The regional crackdown also targeted road safety, resulting in the seizure of six motorbikes and the detection of 171 speeding offences.
The day of action involved teams from the transport network Nexus and local council staff. Officers used a tactic known as a Trojan Bus, where police in plain clothes ride on public transport to stop people from causing trouble and to keep passengers safe.
Susan Dungworth, the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, has overseen the move to ensure these high-visibility patrols continue across the community. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity or concerns to the police by using the 101 phone service.
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