Officers from the North Shields Neighbourhood Policing Team ran a series of activities during the Easter Iron operation to tackle issues highlighted by residents in the Balkwell and Chirton estate areas.

This resulted in 17 arrests for offences including assault, public order, drugs, driving while disqualified and criminal damage - as part of the forcewide damage campaign Enough is Enough.

Police carried out initiatives to encourage residents to get involved and help the police and themselves.

A crime prevention advice surgery attracted scores of local people who came to Heaton Terrace Community Centre to get practical help on beating the burglar. Officers also gave away give-away free purse alarms and door security devices on a first come first served basis.

Motor Patrols officers caught a disqualified driver on Norham Road, using automated number plate recognition technology, within an hour of starting duty.

Neighbourhood Inspector Geoff Cross said: "We took this action after listening to residents telling us what problems they experience in the Balkwell and Chirton estates.

"We used the local knowledge from householders and neighbourhood officers to plan out these activities so they met the needs of the community.

"We worked with North Tyneside Council who came along to physically clean up areas of Chirton and Operation ChildSafe to target underage youngsters who gather in public places to drink alcohol. We tell parents about their child's behaviour and this frequently has a sobering effect.

"Residents have told us these type of operations do make a difference. They see us making arrests, stopping vehicles and taking action to improve the area and this makes them feel safer."

The borough's elected mayor, John Harrison, said: "People have told me they want a council that is on the side of the community, which is why we've made tackling nuisance and anti-social behaviour a top priority.

"These are excellent results, however no one is complacent and we will continue to use all powers available supporting our partners in their fight against crime."