A scheme that will see hundreds more police patrols on public transport for the summer holidays has been launched in an effort to “stamp out anti-social behaviour” in the North East.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness has today (July 24) announced a scheme that will see officers deployed to the region's transport hubs including Haymarket and Eldon Square interchange.

Police patrols, security staff and neighbourhood wardens are all part of the new package across Northumberland and Tyne and Wear to act on anti-social behaviour that takes place on Metros and buses.

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As the plan launches, the Police and Crime Commissioner states the hotspot action under this “transport crackdown” will hopefully slow unwelcome rises in unwarranted behaviour.

Kim McGuinness, Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria Police, said: Boosting policing efforts and improving people’s experience of public transport in the area is something we are working really hard on as a region.

“There has been a whole raft of work happening and we’ve seen the results to match, and this hotspot funding is about doing more of what is working, what the region needs.”

She added: “People want, and deserve, to be able to move around our region safely. We know people want transport that’s affordable and reliable and they certainly want to be safe too. If we get public transport right, we can really improve lives, really improve the North East.”

This latest operation comes after Operation Princess was launched in the East Shields and Whitburn areas in response to growing anti-social behaviour.

The operation was said to have reduced public order offences by 50% during the six-week period, as bosses now hope the newest transport crackdown will have the same effect.

Chief Superintendent Barrie Joisce, of Northumbria Police, said: “Tackling anti-social behaviour is a priority for the Force and this funding will compliment and help us build on the proactive work already ongoing at our region’s public transport hubs.

“Minimising and preventing anti-social behaviour is only possible by working together, and as ever, I’d like to thank all our partners and the public for their unwavering support.”

Public transport directors are also on board with the rollout, as they welcome the scheme that they hope will increase customer safety.

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Metro Operations Director, Kevin Storey, said: “Extra policing on Metro and the wider public transport network is a really welcome step as we look to deal with anti-social behaviour across our communities.

“We continue to work closely with the police to prevent disorder and build customer confidence in using Metro. This means targeting crime, anti-social behaviour, and fare evasion where it occurs. Safety and security is our top priority.”