Operation Hermes launched to crack down on anti-social behaviour on Tyne and Wear Metro network
Northumbria Police, Nexus and local councils have joined forces to combat anti-social behaviour on the Tyne and Wear Metro network.
Operation Hermes is an initiative that will see plain clothes police officers work with partners to target troublemakers and seek to reassure commuters.
It follows concerns from travellers relating to anti-social behaviour, including young people gathering in groups in and around stations.
Martin Kearney, from Nexus, said some Metro staff had reported being verbally abused in recent weeks.
He said: "Unfortunately we do have some anti-social behaviour taking place.
"We do have vandalism and we have had assaults including spitting, verbal assault and physical abuse; that's just not acceptable and it has to change."
Northumbria Police added that there will be targeted search operations taking place at some stations.
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