Tyne and Wear Metro has made use of extra policing in an anti-social behaviour operation which was launched in 2022 as part of a collaborative initiative by Northumbria Police, North Tyneside Council and Nexus. Operation Maple has seen fantastic results and has reported a 30% drop in anti-social behaviour and is set to see similar success in 2023.
The project will centre on each of the coastal Metro stations between Meadow Well and Northumberland Park in the spring and summer months as increased visitors to the areas sees a raise in demand.
The impressive project makes use of both uniformed and plain-clothed officers who ride on the Metro network for their full shifts providing a visible police presence which in turn offers reassurance to members of the public and enables quick action to be taken with any disorder issues. The operation partners active community engagement with young people by police and partners via education through school programmes with a key aim of inspiring and encouraging participation in diversionary schemes.
Jennifer Scott, Neighbourhood Inspector for the area for Northumbria Police, said: “We're extremely lucky to live in such an idyllic area with some of the most beautiful beaches in the country.
“It's easy to see why so many people want to visit, but we want to make sure everyone has a pleasant experience whilst feeling safe and treating these areas respectfully.
“Operation Maple is the perfect example of the benefits that true partnership working can bring when responding to what matters to local communities. The impact on crime and anti-social behaviour is significant and is a priority for our collaborative approach in this area.”
Jennifer also said: “There were almost 2.5 million visits to Tynemouth, Cullercoats, Whitley Bay, and North Shields between April and September 2022 – we need to ensure we are ensuring all those visitors are able to come to the area and enjoy themselves without their experience being tarnished by the behaviour of a minority.
“As ever, I'd ask the wider community to help us help you. I want to encourage parents and carers to continue to engage and work with police around ASB. Please speak to your children about where they are heading, what they are doing and the potential consequences of getting mixed up in this type of activity.
“I'd like to thank everyone for their ongoing support, and by working together, we can continue to effectively tackle anti-social behaviour and minimise criminality in our coastal areas and at our transport hubs.”
Operation Maple also sees further support via dedicated security officers from Nexus who also bring a visible presence and reassurance to members of the public onboard Metro.
Huw Lewis, Customer Services Director at Nexus said: “Extra policing on Metro this summer is really welcome and will help to deter anti-social behaviour and fare evasion.
“Our customer support staff and security teams will be on duty alongside officers from the Northumbria force during Operation Maple.
“The police, Nexus and the local authorities are working together to keep the transport system safe and secure. Our stations are major gateways into North Tyneside and we want to ensure journeys by the law-abiding majority of customers aren't spoiled by a small minority of troublemakers. Metro is a safe system to travel on and we are determined to keep it that way.
“There are going to be police officers in plain clothes patrolling on the Metro system as part of this operation. Anyone who thinks about causing trouble may want to think again, as they are likely to get caught out and face prosecution.”
Richard Mitchell, Community and Public Space Protection Manager at North Tyneside Council said: “As we gear up for another busy summer season in North Tyneside, we are proud to be working with Northumbria Police and Nexus again to keep public transport and surrounding areas safe. This operation had a big impact in its first year and we hope that people will be reassured by its return, alongside other joint operations in and around the coast.”
Kim McGuinness, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner said: “More police out on the streets and on our transport links – it's what people tell me they want to see and Operation Maple delivers just that.
“We have a special coastline here in the North East, and as more people head out to enjoy it, they can expect to see more visible policing too. And crucially we have to be supporting officers in the fight against crime – with key prevention work.
“I'm keen to give kids opportunities to gain skills and keep busy over the summer, so we block the temptation to get involved with trouble. That's why my office and the Violence Reduction Unit is funding various youth programme and community initiatives.
“There really is a lot happening over the next few months, and hopefully all together this will keep anti-sociable behaviour down for the people of Tynemouth and nearby.”
