Police step-up patrols

ON patrol . . . (from the left) PC Jason Norton, Sgt Trevor Harrison and PC Alan Stokes

A MAJOR police operation has been launched in Hathershaw and Fitton Hill to crack down on anti-social behaviour over half-term.

Operation Victoria aims to combat street crime in partnership with the New Deal for Communities programme.

As part of the scheme, extra officers will be on patrol in the area tonight, tomorrow night, throughout the holidays next week and until the end of March.

Officers will use stop and search powers and issue fixed penalty notices where necessary.

Children from local schools in the NDC area are also being warned about the consequences of getting involved in anti-social behaviour and criminal activity.

Sgt Trevor Harrison said: “By providing a high visibility presence and targeting known offenders we aim to improve the quality of life for everyone living in the area.”