A special policing operation which saw officers in plain clothes deployed on the Tyne and Wear Metro network to catch crime and anti-social behaviour has taken place. The so-called “trojan horse” op followed a similar format to Northumbria Police’s “Trojan” bus initiative and was part of the continued aim to keep the system safe and secure.
In the operation, what appeared to be a regular train was actually also transporting plain clothed police officers, ready to respond to crime and catch trouble-makers by surprise.
The Trojan Metro initiative is being funded through Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth’s Project Shield. So far in 2026 anti-social behaviour has fallen by 24% thanks to high-visibility patrols and strong partnership work.
Cathy Massarella, Managing Director of Nexus, said: “Special policing operations like this are absolutely essential for keeping the Tyne and Wear Metro system safe and secure for our customers.
“It’s a unique way to target crime and anti-social behaviour in and around Metro. It sends out a clear message that anyone who causes trouble on our transport system will get caught and will face prosecution.
“Plain clothed policing and high visibility patrols are key elements of Project Shield in partnership with Northumbria Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner, delivering safer streets and stronger communities. Tackling violence and intimidation against women and girls in particular is a vital focus.
“We take this very seriously. Metro is a safe system to travel on, and where issues do occur, we work closely with the police to deal with it.
“This builds on the work we have already done to improve safety and security on Metro, including the introduction of our dedicated security teams, investment in new CCTV, and the ongoing roll out of our new train fleet.”
Deployments on the Metro were determined by hotspot data and focus on routes connecting areas where members of the public have raised concerns.
The first operation took place on Thursday 19th March and saw 1,000 people passing through knife arches at stations. Police also engaged with 200 people and business about the operation. Six arrests were made on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly, breach of bail and failing to appear before court. Investigations are also ongoing around other recorded crimes for public order offences, assault and possession of cannabis.
Project Shield is a partnership covering joint activity from police and partners working to help deliver safer streets and stronger communities. It involves greater police and partner patrols in hotspot areas, effective resource targeting led by data, and community engagement and prevention activities, including working with youth services.