South Tyneside antisocial behaviour fears, police criticised
Residents in South Tyneside report fear and intimidation from antisocial behaviour, with local police facing criticism over their response.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
Residents in South Tyneside say they are living in fear because of persistent antisocial behaviour, with many accusing the police of failing to respond effectively. The problem has escalated to the point where some people say they are scared to leave their homes.
In one incident in East Boldon, a couple had their van attacked with an axe in broad daylight. The pair fled on a dirt bike after causing significant damage. The victims said police did not even try to attend the scene. One of them said: "The fact that there's somebody driving around the estate with an axe in their bag that's an offensive weapon, and the police were just in the case of, oh, well, they'll be miles away by now." They added that the same people could have turned to attempted murder.
Across South Tyneside, large groups of youths and others are reported to be engaging in antisocial behaviour, including riding illegal bikes and pulling wheelies. The problem has become so bad that a local man set up a Facebook page for residents to report issues, saying people have lost faith in the police. He said many residents have stopped reporting incidents because they get no feedback or action.
Stagecoach recently had to suspend bus services after objects were thrown at buses and, in some cases, buses were deliberately obstructed. The company said it acted to protect the safety of customers and drivers.
Northumbria Police said it is committed to tackling antisocial behaviour and keeping the area safe. But the couple whose van was attacked fear for the future. One of them said: "There's no law, no law enforcement, and there's no deterrent for when people break the law, they just do what they want." They have considered moving but said the problem is the same across the whole of South Tyneside.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | BBC One |
|---|---|
| A couple's van was attacked with an axe in East Boldon, and the suspects fled on a dirt bike. | |
| Residents have lost faith in the police and some have stopped reporting incidents due to lack of action. | |
| Stagecoach suspended bus services in the area after objects were thrown at buses and buses were obstructed. |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
The BBC focused on a specific axe attack in East Boldon and the victims' frustration with police inaction. It also highlighted the broader community fear, the suspension of bus services, and residents losing faith in the police. The tone was critical of the police response, using direct quotes from affected residents to illustrate the lack of enforcement.
- “The fact that there's somebody driving around the estate with an axe in their bag that's an offensive weapon, and the police were just in the case of, oh, well, they'll be miles away by now.”
- “A lot of people are reporting incidents to the police, but aren't getting the feedback back from them. And in the past, people have reported them because lack of action, they've just given up reporting.”
- “There's no law, no law enforcement, and there's no deterrent for when people break the law, they just do what they want.”
Broadcast Timeline
News broadcasts tracked for this story, in time order.