The Fire Service and the Police have seen an increase in the number of Anti Social Behaviour incidents and deliberate fires in the vicinity of the former Police Station at Farringdon. Young people have been entering the building and setting fires to the illegally disposed of domestic and commercial waste and this can cause various issues.

Key messages from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.

1. We do not know what items of waste have been left and fumes given off by these products could be very dangerous when mixed.
2. People entering the building at night put themselves at risk as the building has been vandalised and ceilings and floors have been removed and the integrity of some of the walls damaged this may not only put the young people at risk but also the firefighters sent in to rescue them
3. The fire service and Police cannot be in 2 places at once while we are dealing with ASB and small fires more serious life risk incident that require our immediate attendance will be delayed with more serious consequences for those involved.
4. The fire service  has had objects thrown at them from people inside of the building while we have been in attendance dealing with incidents. We are now gathering evidence from the CCTV footage carried on all appliances and working with the police to identify those involved and using all the powers to prosecute the individuals.

Key messages from the Police.

1. It is an offence for any person to be on the premises without lawful authority. Any persons found on the premises will be prosecuted.
2. Any persons found to be acting in a disorderly manner to any of the Emergency services staff will be prosecuted.
3. CCTV is in operation at the site and enquiries are ongoing to identify anyone who has entered the property or been involved in any disorder at the premises.
4. A dispersal order is in place in the surrounding area and anyone found within these boundaries will be excluded.