Unfortunately the North East seems to attract only those fitting the "type 2" description. I have first hand experience of the problems they can cause and the agression shown to anyone who might object to their behaviour.
I'm sure there are still a few genuine travellers and there have been times in my life I could have been tempted into that romantic lifestyle but I've never met any of them.
I work in a socially deprived area close to Stockton on Tees and many of its residents live in fear of these people who, aside from the usual drive resurfacing, scrap dealing, etc, are also very involved in the drug industry and seem to operate without fear of the legal consequences because of their ability to dissapear without trace.
I have close links (family members) in both the police and local education who feel powerless to deal with these problems.
I'm not attempting to tar all travellers with the same brush but I can only speak as I find.