POLICE in Sunderland are carrying out a week-long operation to make the area safer.

Officers from the Sunderland East and Sunderland West neighbourhood policing teams are working together with partner agencies in the city to run a week long crackdown on crime, disorder and anti social behaviour (ASB).

Throughout this week officers are teaming up with partners including the local authority and city housing groups, to run a series of high profile operations, initiatives and partnership projects.

The aim of the activity is to reduce crime and disorder, improve public confidence and reassure the public that the police and local authority are tackling their concerns.

Activity will include officers carrying out warrants and targeting known burglars and thieves, going into schools to speak with pupils about crime and ASB and high visibility patrols.

The action will run throughout the week and officers stress that the good work will continue for the rest of the year.

Sunderland West Inspector Lisa Laverick explained: "This week-long operation is a big push by police and partners to improve even further on the excellent work that is going on in the area.

"We work really closely with the council and local residents and they said they wanted us to do more around tackling anti social behaviour and crime and so this week of action has been arranged."