Police in Sunderland arrested 15 people and caught 276 drivers speeding as their 2025 high-visibility action began on Friday.
Northumbria Police visited 28 properties, seized six vehicles and issued a £60,000 fine as officers look to tackle crime in the community.
Alongside Sunderland City Council, officers have been focusing on tackling serious violence, as well as concerns over drug crime, burglary and motorcycle disorder in the city.
Drug warrants were carried out on the morning of January 10, with three arrests made and illegal drugs seized. Police then served four motorcycle riders with Community Protection Warning Notices, and stopped several other drivers, finding large amounts of cannabis and amphetamine, with two people being arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply.
276 speeding offences were recorded, and officers patrolled burglary hotspots, while the Force’s cadets carried out leaflet drops, to help inform the public on how to report vehicle crime, motorcycle disorder and knife crime.
Across the day, 15 people were arrested for offences including; possession with intent to supply class A drugs, conspiracy to steal motor vehicles, burglary and assault of an emergency worker.
Officers seized six vehicles as part of the operation.
(Image: Northumbria Police)
An enforcement visit also resulted in one arrest and a £60,000 fine being issued to the business owner after they were found to be employing an illegal immigrant.
Inspector Ash Hopper, of Northumbria Police, said: “Operation Impact is all about tackling the recurring issues people tell us about in their local communities. This is just an example of all of the work we carry out on a daily basis, and our work does not stop here.
“This ongoing operation allows us to build on that day-to-day work, making sure we’re there when the public need us the most. I hope the positive results from Friday’s day of action shows just how seriously we take protecting our communities.
“Our dedicated teams have been out on the streets of Sunderland today tackling crime in our communities. But not only that, they have provided reassurance and guidance to business owners and members of the public, whilst gathering intel which will ultimately help in our aim to keep our communities safe.
“We will continue to be visible in our communities and ensure we are here when the public need us the most.”
Northumbria Police are asking to be made aware of any criminal activity in your local area, and you can send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media, or use the report forms or live chat function on the website here. Otherwise, call 101.
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