Hartlepool mum claims street is plagued by 'horrendous' drugs, yobs, motor menaces and thieves

Fed up Nicola Turnbull, who lives in Jutland Road, says it has got so bad that her children feel like prisoners and are too scared to go out.

Mrs Turnbull, 47, says the street is blighted by drugs, people riding quad bikes crashing into other vehicles and property, thefts and break ins, people carrying knives, and children as young as 11 making violent threats to other children and even adults.

She says she has called police ‘countless times’ but feels little is done.

Cleveland Police say they are taking action in the ward and they do not tolerate anti social behaviour.

Around two weeks ago her husband Brian’s motorbike was stolen before being found dumped later. And last month their son’s BMX bike was stolen.

Mrs Turnbull, who has two children at home aged nine and 11, said: “In the last six or seven years it has been manageable but now it’s just horrendous.

“There’s a lot of drugs, people driving without a licence, stealing from people’s property, motorbikes and quad bikes.

“It's only a matter of time before a kid gets hurt or killed.

“My children are scared to go out. They are like prisoners in their own home. The last two years I’ve lost count how many times I’ve rang the police.”

After Mr Turnbull’s motorbike was found somebody tried to steal it again just days later.

Mrs Turnbull said police did not attend until five days after the initial theft.

She said she understood police resources were stretched but added: “You don’t see a big police presence in the area.

“They know about people hanging around by the shop, they know about all the anti social behaviour at the bottom of the street but nothing you can visibly see gets done.”

Cleveland Police say there is an ongoing investigation into the theft of the push bike.

A force spokesperson added: “Recently in the ward area which includes Jutland Road, there have been two positive drugs warrants on Pickering Grove recently which were based on information from the local community whereby cannabis was seized, there have been dispersal orders and antisocial behaviour agreements put in place for known offenders.

“By calling police to report crime and antisocial behaviour, this ensures that police are aware of the issues affecting the local area and our neighbourhood teams can focus on dealing with this and look at solving any long-term problems.

“Police do not tolerate crime and antisocial behaviour, which can cause misery for residents within our local communities and we would always urge people to report any concerns that they have on 101.”

Roads policing officers from the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit have announced they are stepping up patrols for nuisance off-road bikers in known problem areas of Hartlepool under Operation Endurance.

Reports should also be made on the 101 number.