POLICE action in a crime-hit community is reaping rewards.

Northumbria Police's community police team in Hetton-le-Hole, near Washington, has got off to a good start, seizing drugs and tackling disorder.

The team consists of five constables, headed by Sergeant Henry Gustard, plus a tenancy enforcement officer from the Sunderland Housing Group, and clerical support. They are based in the Springboard youth training centre, on the Hetton Downs Estate.

Sgt Gustard said: "We are keen to get to know residents, including young people and business people in the area, to find out what their concerns are and help to deal with these issues.

"We particularly want to get people from the community involved in working with us."

Since the launch in June, officers from the team have seized cannabis plants worth £35,000 and Class A drugs worth £10,000, and have made arrests for theft.

They have also been dealing with problems of motorcyclists riding on public land, working with the local authority to erect fencing and other obstacles.