And just like that, Christmas is here – and it’s my first since being elected as your Police and Crime Commissioner in May.

It really has been an incredibly busy and rewarding year, not without its challenges, but also with inspiring times where I have seen our police go that extra mile to keep you safe, and incredible community spirit and resilience rising to the occasion.

I wanted to thank everyone who has been on the journey with me so far, supporting me to help deliver safer streets and stronger communities right across Northumbria.

Residents, partners, service providers, police colleagues - it’s been a privilege to meet so many of you as I learn more about the needs of our neighbourhoods and the work that goes on to support and protect them. Bringing all of this learning together, I look forward to sharing a new Police and Crime Plan for the area in the new year. 

As many start to wrap up their work ready for the break, our emergency services don’t stop over the festive period. A happy Christmas is a safe one - and so I am grateful to all who sacrifice time with loved ones, and I hope everyone finds time to celebrate and enjoy a good break whenever it arrives.

Best wishes to you, your colleagues and families over Christmas and the New Year from the team and I at the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
MAKING AN IMPACT

Operation Impact landed in Ashington last week as Northumbria Police, supported by a wide range of partners, acted on your intel and priorities with warrants executed, speed enforcement conducted, most wanted searches completed and off-road bikes stopped.

As I said to officers in the briefing, Op Impact is all about showing our communities how much we care, and that we are fully committed to deliver safer streets and stronger communities.

Read about results of the Operation here.
ON TRACK WITH TRANSPORT SAFETY

It was wonderful to see the new Northumberland Line in action ahead of its grand opening.

I took the opportunity to tell the new Transport Secretary about all the great work Northumbria Police anD our partners are doing to make our transport network safe for all commuters. From our Safer Transport initiatives to Project Shield, we are tackling ASB and serious violence, seeing reductions in both of these across the transport network and making public transport safer for all.
KEEPING REVELLERS SAFE THIS CHRISTMAS

With party season in full swing and thousands heading out to enjoy Newcastle's nightlife there is a raft of work happening to keep people safe. There’s Northumbria Police’s Operation Salus, the Violence Reduction Unit’s delivery of vulnerability training to staff, and lots of work happening by partners such as the council’s community safety teams.

I have also announced a cash boost of £30K for Newcastle’s Safe Haven van ahead of Christmas and will update you more on this in the new year.

Read more here.
WE RECLAIM THE NIGHT

So many of you got in touch to praise the powerful and heartfelt words that I shared at the Reclaim the Night rally in Newcastle and Gateshead at the end of last month.

The reason they resonated with the audience, and were so relatable, was because they were written by real people, from real experiences of things like sexual harassment and misogyny.

Workie Ticket Theatre, along with Foundation Futures, spoke with women & girls of our region, listened to their stories, and turned them into the most powerful piece. I am so thankful to all involved.

If you missed it, you can have a read here.
VIOLENCE PREVENTION AMBASSADORS PROGRAMME

Did you know the Violence Reduction Unit offers an online training initiative designed to tackle the root causes of serious violence in communities?

Through engaging e-learning modules, they equip youth workers, practitioners, and community leaders with essential knowledge on knife crime, Joint Enterprise, gangs and youth violence, and hidden harms.

If you’re interested to find out more about how you could make a difference, click here.
MINI POLICE MASTERPIECE

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting Inayah and her fellow Mini Police cohort at Hadrian Primary School in South Shields to congratulate her on winning my Christmas card 2024 competition.

It was a tough choice, with some fantastic designs showcasing our police force, region and local communities.

Thank you to all who participated – excellent work from the next generation of young artists and police.
DOMESTIC ABUSE OVER CHRISTMAS

Sadly, every year there is a spike in domestic abuse reports over the Christmas period. It’s important we highlight this issue and crucially the help that’s available. Information on support services commissioned by my office can be found here.
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