Op Restore already reaping rewards in tackling anti-social behaviour

In April, we launched a programme of enhanced measures to combat serious violence and anti-social behaviour across the region.

Under the programme which will continue throughout 2024 and into 2025, significant additional patrol resources are assigned to areas with higher incidences of these offence types.

Named ‘Op Restore’, this enhanced operational capability has been facilitated by Home Office funding as part of its ‘Hotspot Response’ initiative.   

We are pleased to report that we are already seeing positive results, and since launch, over 1000 hours of extra dedicated hot spot patrols have taken place.

Not only has this increased our visibility in problem areas, but thanks to engagement with local residents, businesses and councillors, we have made 14 arrests for a variety of offences including possession of weapons, possession with intent to supply class A drugs and Public order offences.

 To date during these extra patrols, we have carried out 35 targeted Stop searches, and patrols have identified specific issues around ASB which mean we are proactively consulting with partners and third sector organisations to support future patrols and achieve a co-ordinated response to address the root causes of these incidents.

In addition, we have conducted specialist Road Crime operations, targeting high risk Anti-Social use of vehicles including the use of modified vehicles and street racing.

Chief Inspector Matt Geddes, NWP’s force lead for Op Restore said: “I am pleased to see some positive early results from Op Restore.

“These focussed initiatives will continue, and we are already reviewing the crime and incident data from these targeted areas and tailoring our operational response appropriately and proportionately.

“I would like to thank our local communities, who provide valuable information which we are acting upon. If anybody has any information about ASB or violent offending, but feels unable to speak to their local policing team, I would encourage them to contact the charity CrimeStoppers anonymously On 0800 555 111 and mention Op Restore.”