Story and photograph courtesy of Northumbria Police
11/11/22: Car suspected of harassing women seized and sold – with the proceeds invested in the fight against crime.
A car has been seized and sold with the proceeds being invested in the fight against crime – after the driver was suspected of harassing women.
Last month, officers working as part of Operation Cloak in Newcastle were in contact with partners from the city’s Pubwatch scheme, who reported seeing an Alfa Romeo driving around the Cloth Market and harassing women while they queued and made their way to different venues
When door staff informed officers the driver of the car had allegedly been shouting obscenities and abusive language to women, they quickly set about locating the person responsible.
The car was soon spotted driving on Barrack Road the following day but made off at speed when officers pursued it. It was later found abandoned in the West End and fast-track investigations revealed it had been recently sold by the owner, but unbeknown to them, the cash buyer used fake details and claimed to be a local car dealer.
An investigation was launched and enquiries to trace the man driving remain ongoing, but officers have since seized the car, and taken it to a secure facility where it will be sold. The profits will then be re-invested into the fight against crime.
Neighbourhood Inspector Karen Madge, of Northumbria Police, praised the partnership work which led to the seizure of the vehicle and reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to ensuring safety in the night time economy.
She said: “Newcastle prides itself on being an inclusive city offering an enjoyable night out for everyone – and we are proud to play a role in helping to keep people safe.
“As part of Operation Cloak, our dedicated night time economy patrols and activity, we have officers present around the city, ensuring visitors receive the help, advice and support they may need on a night out.
“This incident came to our attention thanks to the strong links we have cultivated with our partners throughout the city, and I hope the public can seek some assurance in the quick response and seizure of the offending vehicle.
“While our efforts to trace the driver and person responsible are ongoing, we have arranged for the car to be sold, leaving the offender out of pocket and unable to repeat his appalling actions.
“We will not tolerate behaviour like this. Those coming to Newcastle to enjoy what the city has to offer should be free to do so from harassment and abusive language being used towards them, especially women, who can feel vulnerable and intimidated by this type of behaviour.
“Anyone found to be responsible for this type of criminality will be dealt with robustly.”
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “These are exactly the predatory, unacceptable behaviours that Northumbria Police will not tolerate.
“Women need to know they can head out for a night of fun in our city without fear and without being on the receiving end of abuse and intimidation – it’s a fundamental right. I’m relieved this car will no longer be seen around the streets of Newcastle and I hope those responsible will be caught swiftly too.
“We must take a firm stand against these disgusting behaviours and it’s important we keep calling it out and seeking justice for those who are subjected to misogyny and abuse like this.
“Northumbria Police have had great success with Operation Cloak, which helps keep women safe at night, and I am pleased to have recently secured funding to boost this area of work. I look forward to seeing more patrols, more support and more interventions as a result of this.”
Visit our website to learn more about Op Cloak, or use the “Tell us Something” page to share any concerns.