Legal highs crackdown: Old Eldon Square patrols hailed a success
Police say they have cut the legal high related anti-social behaviour in Old Eldon Square thanks to new patrols. In the last few weeks officers from the Newcastle city centre Neighbourhood Policing Team have been working with security and staff from intu Old Eldon Square to tackle anti-social behaviour. They carried out extra high visibility patrols on Friday and Saturday evenings for four weeks between March 18 and April 15. The increased activity had a really positive impact on the area and the extra attention is set to continue into the future. Neighbourhood Inspector Nicola Wearing said: "The action was in response to concerns about anti-social behaviour linked to people taking legal highs in the area around Old Eldon Square and becoming involved in associated problems. "Staff from local businesses and members of the public told us they felt intimidated at certain times of the day by this and this just isn't acceptable here in the city centre. "The close and effective working relationship we have with the intu staff meant that we were able to work closely together to successfully tackle the problem. "We stepped up patrols at key times, we identified the problem individuals and trouble making groups and moved them on and out of the area. "We seized legal highs, issued cautions and made arrests when and where it was necessary, and it's really paid off. "The feedback we have had for the operation has been fantastic. Staff members have told my officers how much better the area has become and members of the public have spoken to us about the difference. The number of ASB incidents in Eldon Square has reduced as has the number of legal high incidents in the area. "We hope to continue the extra patrols in the area over the summer months and are determined to ensure that the area remains a safe place for staff, visitors and everyone in the city centre."