Arrests made and weapon seized as police operation makes an 'impact'

Nine arrests, three vehicles seized, two warrants executed, and more than 40 premises visited as Operation Impact returned to Sunderland for the second time.

- by Neil Fatkin

Officers from Northumbria Police joined forces with Sunderland City Council, the North East Regional Crime Unit (NEROCU), British Transport Police, Nexus, Sunderland's Business Improvement District and the Salvation Army as part of the initiative.

The crackdown focused on the city centre and the east of the city and looked to "tackle serious criminality within the community".

A key area of focus was responding to concerns about antisocial behaviour, drugs, vehicle-related crime, and the sale of illegal products in and around the city.

Across the day, nine arrests were made for offences such as attempted grievous bodily harm, possession of a knife, theft, assault and interfering with a motor vehicle.

Two warrants were executed at addresses in the Borough Road and Azalea Terrace areas, with one uncovering an illegal weapon.

Two stop and searches were carried out and six dispersal notices were issued. A further 13 people and vehicles were stopped and checked, with three vehicles being seized.