As your Police and Crime Commissioner, ensuring victims are protected and supported is an absolute priority for me. I want to improve awareness of the support available and, at the same time, ensure we are doing all we can to protect those at the greatest risk of harm.

April’s Stalking Awareness Week earlier this month, gave us the opportunity to raise awareness and have important conversations to help educate people on what these behaviours look like, and where to get support if needed.  

There is some really good work happening in our area and we were pleased this caught the eye of the local media who covered the work of our innovative Northumbria Stalking Interventions Programme (NSIP).

Over the last year this programme has brought together police, probation, health, my office and victim services to tackle staking behaviours and prevent reoffending. The project has worked with 43 high risk stalking cases in its first year.

We also need to start conversations early to gives us the best chance of making positive change. That's why another key piece of work is engaging students in schools and we are funding the fantastic Alice Ruggles Trust to do just that, as I saw being delivered at Sandhill View Academy in Sunderland.

Stalking is a very frightening and intimidating crime and the earlier we can all come together to protect the victim and change the behaviours of those doing the stalking, the better. My thanks go to everyone involved in this important area of work.

Yours, Susan
PRIORITY 1: ENGAGED AND RESPONSIVE POLICE FORCE

NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING GUARANTEE

Earlier this month, we welcomed news from Government that more than 150 new officers, staff and volunteers, will be joining our neighbourhood policing teams here in the Northumbria Police force area.

Like me, residents want to see officers out there on the streets, embedded in their local communities. So, this is a hugely welcome boost for our police, as a workforce, and for local people who we want to feel safe in their daily lives.

As PCC, I have set out a clear plan for Northumbria for safer streets and stronger communities and the neighbourhood policing guarantee will play a vital role in helping deliver on my priorities for the region.
PRIORITY 2: CRIME AND ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

DRIVING DOWN MOTORBIKE DISORDER

Two matters which you frequently tell me concern you are motorbike related ASB, and dangerous driving and so the other weekend, Northumbria Police’s Op Dragoon & Motorcycle teams were out in numbers, cracking down on this behaviour in Northumberland. 

I’m pleased to report 8 bikes were seized as part of this activity, 3 arrests were made, and 4 drivers have been sent on educational courses. This work demonstrates that we are listening, and community concerns are being acted upon.

Behaviour and offending like this can be a real nuisance to communities, and Northumbria Police are committed to taking a proactive approach to tackling it.
PRIORITY 3: SERIOUS VIOLENCE AND ORGANISED CRIME

COUNTY LINES AND EXPLOITATION AWARENESS

‘Speak up’ that's the powerful message shared by young people at Silx Teen Bar in Blyth as part of a session on the dangers of county lines and exploitation. The group explored how these criminal networks can have a devastating impact on friends, families and entire communities.

The Violence Reduction Unit’s new county lines awareness film prompted thoughtful questions from the young people who engaged in really honest open discussions with our education team. Sessions like this also highlight key support services available including speaking with trusted adults such as their youth workers at Silx Teen Bar and reporting crime to Northumbria Police.
PRIORITY 4: REDUCING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS

VULNERABILITY TRAINING

Almost 600 night-time economy staff have been trained to spot signs of vulnerability and exploitation, helping to improve safety in local areas. Our training delivered through the Violence Reduction Unit, Northumbria Police and partners gives bar staff, security teams, hotel workers, and venue managers the skills and confidence to:

- Recognise signs of intoxication, distress or exploitation.
- Spot the warning signs linked to County Lines and Modern-Day Slavery.
- And how they can safely intervene and support vulnerable people.

More information is available here.
PRIORITY 5: HATE CRIME AND COMMUNITY COHESION

COMMUNITY SPIRIT IN ACTION

Neighbourhood officers and partners did a great job of bringing the local people of Scotswood in Newcastle together the other weekend to celebrate the vibrant cultures the area boasts. From crafts to cuisine - the street party had it covered. I loved spending time with residents there.

It was so good to see the community spirit in action – and my thanks go to Northumbria Police and Newcastle City Council and their EPiC team who put effort into making it a great day.
PRIORITY 6: VICTIMS AND JUSTICE

HELPING PEOPLE COPE AND RECOVER FROM CRIME

This month I caught up with the brilliant team at Northumbria Victim and Witness Service which is commisisoned by my office. The team there offers a range of support services to anyone affected by crime, helping them cope and recover from their experience. 

Victims and Justice is a top priority in my plan for safer streets and stronger communities. Part of this is ensuring the voice of the victim is heard and that they access the right support to meet their needs. You can find out how they support victims here.
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