Extra officers from Northumbria Police have been used to target criminals in the borough.

In the first week of the three-month operation, 38 arrests were made.

The force said additional officers targeted areas including Horsley Hill, Whiteleas, Boldon and Whitburn, which resulted in arrests for a variety of crimes including burglary and drugs offences.

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: "Officers have searched six premises and recovered property and drugs.

"So far in January, house burglary and car theft has fallen by half from the same period last year and overall all reported crimes are down this year by 12% from 330 crimes to 291.

Disorder hotspots

"We have made a promising start with this operation and are continuing to reduce crime in South Tyneside.

"We are targeting specific areas and crimes which impact on the quality of life for residents.

"Officers are using intelligence and crime pattern analysis to effectively deploy resources.

"A number of recent arrests for robbery and burglary have resulted from information provided by members of the public."

Officers are also using a tactic of high visibility patrols, particularly during evening rush hours with officers based at key points in crime and disorder hotspots and including officers patrolling on bikes.

The spokesman added: "Over the coming weeks we are determined to continue to tackle crime and disorder across the borough.

"We will carry on working towards making South Tyneside an even safer place to live and work."