Drugs, weapons and fake cash seized in Bedlington raids
Drugs, weapons, counterfeit currency and a motorbike were seized when police, council staff and a housing firm combined in a bid to disrupt crime in Bedlington.
Operation Safer Northumberland – a coordinated multi-agency project – aims to disrupt crime and anti-social behaviour, improve neighbourhoods and reassure communities.
The operation, on July 23, saw teams from Northumbria Police and Northumberland County Council execute a number of warrant and seize illegal goods in a bid to address community safety concerns across the area.
Bernicia Housing – which is also part of the project – also saw some tenants agreeing to terminate their tenancies.
Northumberland County Council says illegal drugs, weapons, counterfeit currency and a motorbike were recovered – and a number of individuals are due to be interviewed as suspects during further enquiries.
Enforcement work by council trading standards officers at local shops also resulted in the confiscation of goods that did not comply with toy safety legislation, while county council licensing checks identified issues relating to alcohol licensing and gathered intelligence regarding suspected illegal tobacco sales.
The Operation Safer Northumberland partnership has carried out similar days of action this year in Blyth, Seaton Delaval, Alnwick, Berwick, Morpeth and surrounding rural areas, with more multi-agency action days planned.
The council says the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of partnership working in tackling crime, anti-social behaviour and community concerns while promoting safer and stronger neighbourhoods.
Northumberland councillor Gordon Stewart, cabinet member for public safety said: "This targeted and visible operation is a great example of the impact we can achieve when our council teams, police, and housing partners work hand-in-hand.
“By seizing illegal goods, tackling problematic tenancies, and engaging directly with the public we are sending a clear message that we listen to our community's concerns and that we are working very hard to disrupt and stamp out criminal and anti-social behaviour.”