Alan Campbell MP has welcomed the news that Northumbria Police have joined forces with partners to tackle an increase in reports of anti-social behaviour along the Metro network.

Named Operation Hermes the two-day initiative will see officers team up with colleagues from Metro operators Nexus, local councils, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and British Transport Police to target troublemakers and help ensure commuters feel safe.

The increased activity, which gets under way this weekend, ahead of the Bank Holiday, follows concerns from travellers relating to anti-social behaviour, including reports linked to young people gathering in groups in and around stations.

A wide range of tactics will be deployed across a number of locations, at times when there has been an increase in incidents being reported and will include increased engagement to steer youths away from using the stations as social hubs.

Alan said “I understand enforcement action will be used where necessary, and as well as a visible policing presence, plain-clothed officers will be travelling the Metro lines keeping a watchful eye.

As part of Northumbria Police’s continued commitment to tackling serious and organised crime, there will also be targeted search operations at some stations.

Over the past few months there have been a number of incidents anti-social behaviour including one in Shiremoor.  I’d like to thank residents for their determination to tackle this and the police and local authority who have worked together to put measures in place to put a stop to this.   Let me be clear, there is no place for anti-social behaviour in our area.  If you have an issue in your area please do not hesitate to get in touch as action can be and will be taken.”