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Early start for new 'Total Policing task force'

Northumbria Police

1 June 2009


Northumbria Police’s new 'Total Policing Task Force' kicked into action this morning with a number of raids across Newcastle.
The early morning  wake up calls at 13 homes were targeted at an organised crime group who are  suspected of committing a range of offences in and around the Scotswood  area.
Those involved are believed to have used social networking sites to boast about and publicise their criminal activity.
This morning's operation was run by the Force’s new Total Policing Task Force, which is led by Detective Chief Superintendent Neil Adamson, head of Northumbria Police's Crime Department.
Det/Ch/Supt Adamson said: "This new mixed team of detective and uniform officers will relentlessly target, disrupt and seek to prosecute those involved in organised crime at every level.
"We now have the capacity and ability to have a far higher impact on criminal  networks and our aim is to dismantle any organised crime group within the force area.  Today's operation is just the start of a concentrated campaign against organised crime."
Those arrested  today are suspected of causing the most concern in their neighbourhoods by being involved in a wide range of crime and disorder.
Det/Ch/Supt Adamson  continued: "The majority of people who live in Scotswood are hard working and law abiding and shouldn't have to put up with those who have no regard for their neighbourhood or quality of life.
"Communities across the force area can rest assured that no-one is untouchable and this sort of high level enforcement activity will continue at a pace to ensure that the Northumbria area remains a safe place to live.
"The 60 strong task force will support each of  Northumbria's six area commands to tackle crime and disorder wherever it occurs. This  demonstrates our commitment to the Policing Pledge, which sets out minimum standards of service which people can expect to receive from us."
Superintendent Jo Farrell, who oversees Neighbourhood Policing in Newcastle, added: "This sort of activity proves that we listen to what our communities tell us are the main issues in their neighbourhood and will use every tool at our disposal to target those people we suspect of  committing crime in our neighbourhoods.
"Anyone out there who thinks they can get away with committing crime can think again because we will come for them. This group of people may have thought they were untouchable but we’ve proved that’s not the case.
"Newcastle is a safe place to live and that minority intent on spoiling it for others will not be tolerated.
"I'd like to encourage people to come to us with information and intelligence about crime in their neighbourhood. Just tell us what  the problem is and we'll do the rest.
"We'll be visiting local residents and delivering leaflets to let the community know what’s been happening in their area and why, and getting their feedback on the operation."
The Scotswood Neighbourhood team can be contacted on 03456  043 043. To report criminal activity in your neighbourhood contact police on  the above number, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555  111.
Police on raids: image 1
Police on raids: image 2