Last week the Home Secretary defiantly put the recent disorder behind us and delivered a hopeful, tough-talking speech outlining Government’s determination to deliver safer streets for the country - a determination I share for us here in the Northumbria Police force area too.

I welcome new powers around issues that I know matter to local people and will help our police force tackle their top priorities. Pledges around ‘taking back our streets’ covering antisocial behaviour, shoplifting and offroad bikes will really resonate with local communities too, and will help support policing efforts to take action.

It’s also been a great week for the long due banning of weapons that should never have been legal in the first place – there is absolutely no place for zombie knives or ninja swords on our streets.

And finally, it was great to learn of Government’s commitment to getting domestic abuse specialists in control rooms up and down the country – pleasingly, this is something we are already delivering in Northumbria – demonstrating we’re already a step ahead. A step ahead is where I want us to be - and I will keep doing all I can to ensure we are playing our part in delivering safer streets and stronger communities for the people of Northumberland, Tyne, and Wear.

Best wishes,
 
Susan Dungworth
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner