Residents across South Tyneside are expressing profound frustration and fear over what they describe as escalating anti-social behaviour, with some likening their communities to the 'Wild West'. The sentiment comes despite assurances from Northumbria Police and South Tyneside Council that they are actively addressing criminal activity and targeting 'hotspot areas'.
One family from East Boldon revealed they are contemplating leaving South Tyneside entirely after their van was subjected to an axe attack. The owner recounted initially believing there had been a crash due to the severity of the impact, only to discover significant damage to his vehicle. He claims that upon contacting the police, he was informed it was unlikely the perpetrator would be apprehended, and officers did not attend the scene. The investigation into the incident has since been closed by police due to 'evidential issues', leaving the family feeling fearful and frustrated.
The widespread concern is evident in the rapid growth of a social media group dedicated to reporting anti-social behaviour, which has attracted over 2,000 members within a month. Posts on the platform reportedly show numerous incidents, including smashed windows, groups of youths on various bikes, and large gatherings in the town centre. Sandra Goodsir, speaking near the South Shields bus and Metro interchange, highlighted that she regularly witnesses children throwing stones at vehicles and windows, deterring elderly friends and her husband from visiting local pubs.
Mark Berriman, a former independent council election candidate, stated that the community social media page was established to empower residents to report issues and provide footage to authorities. He noted that many had previously given up reporting incidents due to a perceived lack of action. Berriman also described the Biddick Hall estate as a 'war zone', citing issues with individuals on e-motorbikes, which he claims police often struggle to apprehend. This sentiment echoes a recent incident where Stagecoach North East temporarily suspended services in the area after buses were obstructed and targeted with objects, citing concerns for passenger and driver safety.
Chief Inspector Phil Baker from Northumbria Police acknowledged that a 'minority of people' are involved in the anti-social behaviour. He outlined ongoing operations, including the use of plain-clothed officers on 'Trojan Buses' and a dedicated taskforce across South Tyneside and Sunderland focusing on reporting riders and seizing vehicles. Ch Insp Baker also clarified that it is a 'common myth' that officers cannot pursue and tactically engage with these vehicles, stating that specially-trained teams from the Roads Policing Unit are equipped to do so safely. He added that where direct pursuit is not appropriate, resources such as in-house drone pilots, the National Police Air Service, or DNA marking spray can be deployed against offenders.