A coordinated programme of enforcement, prevention and community engagement has been underway since the start of the year in response to persistent issues linked to drug use and dealing that have affected residents and local neighbourhoods.
Through close partnership working, the Council and Northumbria Police have increased patrols, disrupted criminal activity and taken action against properties connected to crime and anti-social behaviour. The work is helping to improve the local environment, reduce offending and provide reassurance to residents.
Regular joint patrols have increased visibility in the area and strengthened community confidence, while targeted use of stop and search powers has helped disrupt criminal activity and deter offending.
The partnership's work has already delivered significant results. During 2025, joint operations led to the seizure of approximately £100,000 worth of drugs and cash, followed by a further £15,000 recovered in subsequent activity. Officers also seized significant quantities of spice, a highly dangerous synthetic drug linked to serious harm and recent deaths, from a nearby property.
That address has since been closed, contributing to a noticeable improvement in conditions for local residents and removing a focal point for criminal activity.
A combination of enforcement powers and partnership action is helping to make a real difference, tackling persistent anti-social behaviour and disrupting criminal activity.
Working closely with Northumbria Police, Newcastle City Council’s Safe Living Team has successfully secured a number of closure orders through the courts, preventing offenders and their associates from returning to properties linked to crime and anti-social behaviour. All applications were approved by magistrates, enabling properties to be cleared of harmful items, secured and prepared for further housing action where appropriate.
The team has also secured partial closure orders for three blocks of flats in the West End, helping to restrict access to problem areas, reduce criminal behaviour and improve safety for residents.
Significant progress has been made through Operation Featherstone, a targeted initiative focused on tackling drug supply in the area. Since its launch, officers have executed 13 warrants and carried out multiple property searches, disrupting drug supply networks and leading to the closure of several addresses connected to the supply of Class A and B drugs.
The operation has resulted in the seizure of additional drugs and cash worth several thousand pounds, including suspected cannabis, cocaine and heroin. Combined with ongoing enforcement activity, these interventions are contributing to visible improvements in the area, with residents reporting positive changes in their neighbourhoods. Alongside enforcement, supporting and listening to residents remains a key part of the approach. Activity has included door knocking, anonymous anti-social behaviour surveys, regular drop-in sessions and multi-agency meetings, ensuring concerns are heard and action is coordinated.
The Council also coordinates the EPiC (Empowering People in Communities) initiative in partnership with Northumbria Police. As a community safety and anti-social behaviour programme, EPiC complements enforcement activity by focusing on prevention, engagement and building stronger neighbourhoods. Through events, outreach work and resident-led activities, it helps residents get involved in their local area, build positive relationships and take pride in their communities, contributing to neighbourhoods where people feel happier, safer and more connected.
Councillor James Coles, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Housing & Green Investment, said: “We know the impact anti-social behaviour and drug-related crime can have on people's lives, their sense of safety and their confidence in their neighbourhood.
"That's why we're working closely with Northumbria Police and other partners to take action where it's needed most. Together, we want to tackle anti-social behaviour, target those responsible and make our neighbourhoods safer for everyone.
“Just as importantly, we are listening to residents and working alongside local communities to make sure these improvements are sustained over the long term.”
Chief Inspector Dean Hood, of Northumbria Police’s Neighbourhood Policing team in Newcastle, said: “Our city is a hive of activity that attracts millions of visitors year-round.
“As with any city, it can also attract unwanted behaviour from a select number of individuals who are set on causing trouble for the wider public and businesses.
“To ensure that our area remains a safe place to live, work and visit, we have been front-footed in our approach, working closely with partner agencies to get ahead of any offending.
“As well as the excellent work being carried out through the community safety and anti-social behaviour EPiC initiative, we recently launched multi-agency Operation Toonwatch to target pockets of disorder throughout the summer months.
“This has seen the likes of Newcastle City Council, Nexus and NE1 coming together to carry out targeted foot patrols, community engagement activities and respond to any concerns raised by members of the public.
“This has seen a reduction in reports of anti-social behaviour since its launch, with positive feedback received from local businesses.
“But our work does not stop here. We are committed to building on these excellent results to ensure our communities and those visiting our area feel safe.
“It is also important that members of the community continue to share any information or reports of crime or disorder with us, so we can take the appropriate action.
“Anyone with information or concerns should contact us online via our social media channels or submit a report form on our website.
“In an emergency, always remember to call 999.”
This work forms part of Newcastle City Council’s wider commitment to tackling anti-social behaviour, supporting communities and ensuring all residents feel safe and secure in their neighbourhoods. Through enforcement, prevention and community engagement initiatives, including work delivered with EpiC, the Council and its partners are helping to create cleaner, safer and stronger communities across the city.
Newcastle City Council’s Safe Living team deals with anti-social behaviour in council properties. Contact the team on 0191 278 7878 or email safeliving@newcastle.gov.uk.
Anyone wishing to report crime or anti-social behaviour can contact Northumbria Police via direct message on social media, or through the live chat and reporting pages on the Force website. Alternatively, call 101.
In an emergency, or if a crime is in progress, always dial 999.