The fight is on against those who prey on our region’s young and vulnerable and coerce or force them into their dangerous world of drug dealing and violence as the latest County Lines Intensification Week has shown. The operation saw more than 150 arrests and almost £53,000 worth of suspected criminal cash seized along with quantities of Class A drugs and weapons - great results.

The criminals at the top of the chain lure others into doing their dirty work; they’ll do anything to make themselves less likely to be caught. As this work shows though, they are being caught. Read more here.

We are starting to see signs of violence levels slowing but there is still so much more to be done. This isn’t just about quick fixes – it’s about fostering long-term solutions that address the root causes of violence. So, my Violence Reduction Unit has launched the new five-year plan setting out a long-term united approach to addressing the root causes of violent crime. The strategy, produced by a range of local partners, focuses on education, identifying those causing disruption, reducing the risks for communities and intensive interventions. We want to challenge and change behaviours to bring about long-lasting change. You can find out more here.

MAKE A CHANGE 'NEWCASTLE' IS HERE
We've been busy working closely with some fantastic organisations (Harbour, Changing Lives and Respect) to offer support for people who are concerned about their behaviour towards a partner/ex-partner and want help to make positive changes - improving lives for everyone. 

Getting in there with the right response at the earliest opportunity before someone’s harmful behaviours continue and get worse is what this support is all about. It provides people causing harm with the help they need to change by recognising and understanding the extent of the damage their behaviours have on their partner or ex-partner, and not forgetting the children too. 

To find our more click here.