Welcome to my June newsletter.
Last week was Neighbourhood Policing Week and I knew the best way to mark it was to get out with officers and see crime fighting and community engagement in action. And so, that’s what I did. On Wednesday I joined Op Impact as the blue lights and partners moved in on Ashington and Newbiggin. This heightened policing presence and collaborative activity is designed to deliver safer streets and stronger communities. The operation achieved some impressive results too thanks to successful warrants, knife arches, drone activity and more. Officers...
- made 6 arrests
- seized 5 vehicles; and
- dismantled a cannabis farm
And so I want to take this opportunity to thank not only the officers I was out with in Northumberland last week but also our dedicated officers, volunteers and staff who serve and protect our communities day in, day out. Whether it’s out on patrol, responding to calls, supporting vulnerable residents or engaging with local people – being there, being visible - it all matters to local people – so my thanks go to everyone who works in neighbourhood policing. Oh, and if you’re interested in becoming a neighbourhood officer yourself, do read on!
Best wishes,
Susan Dungworth
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner
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PRIORITY 1: ENGAGED AND RESPONSIVE POLICE FORCE
RECRUITMENT DRIVE TO BOOST NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING
Last month Northumbria became the first College of Policing accredited Force in the country to offer new recruits a direct route into community policing, meaning those who choose the neighbourhood option will specialise in this area from joining. This will help get our local police numbers back to where they belong- delivering on the Government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee.
Back in 2019, police officer numbers in Northumbria had dropped to a low of 3129, more than 1000 short compared to levels in 2010. However, the 2025 April 1st officer headcount for Northumbria Police was 3856, with a predicted officer total climbing to 3974 for 2026.
This significant increase is the upturn Northumbria needs and I look forward to welcoming new officers in the months ahead.
CAREERS LINK: https://careers.northumbria.police.uk
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PRIORITY 2: CRIME AND ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
COASTAL CRACKDOWN
We are lucky to have such fantastic coastal areas in North Tyneside, and they understandably attract large crowds and higher footfall in the summer months.
So, in the months ahead, the force, along with partners, will be working hard as part of Operation Coastwatch. This operation is about ensuring any anti-social behaviour is tackled head on, and that the coast remains a safe and welcoming place for all. |
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PRIORITY 3: SERIOUS VIOLENCE AND ORGANISED CRIME
PROJECT SHIELD TAKES TO THE TRACKS
It was great to meet up with Supt David Rams from British Transport Police last week, where we welcomed the efforts of Project Shield in helping drive down ASB and serious violence across our transport hotspots.
The latest quarter shows that in these areas:
ASB is down 28%; and
Serious Violence is down 22%
(compared to the same period the previous year).
British Transport Police may have a very specific and unique beat focusing on the safety and security of passengers - but these are people moving in and around our region – residents, commuters and visitors. And so, we have a lot of shared priorities and focus areas, and I really believe the more joined up we are, the more benefits we will reap - boosting feelings of safety for our passengers and improving community confidence overall.
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PRIORITY 4: REDUCING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
THE SAFE HAVEN GETS A MAKE-OVER
The Safe Haven has been a familiar sight to people out in the city for years and since becoming PCC I have heard countless positive stories from police, door staff, the council and even party-goers themselves – thankful for the van and colleagues working together to look after people. Although hugely valued, it was long due an upgrade and so we have made it happen by investing £20k into its refurbishment.
If anyone needs assistance on a night out in the City Centre, the Safe Haven is there parked up on the Bigg Market on Friday and Saturday nights. It’s a help point for everyone, and I want to make sure it stands out and people know about it. Whether you need to report a crime or simply charge your phone, it’s the place to head to.
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PRIORITY 5: HATE CRIME AND COMMUNITY COHESION
STANDING UP TO RACISM ACROSS THE REGION
Like me, the North East Anti-Racism Coalition is committed to all things anti-racism and anti-hatred.
It was great to be part of the conversation at their event exploring the movement’s progress so far and the next steps we need to take. We need to focus on restorative work to build communities and also a collective boldness in challenging racism.
Residents, employers, educators, businesses - we all have a role to play being active partners in bringing about positive change - now and for future generations.
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PRIORITY 6: VICTIMS AND JUSTICE
IMPACTFUL VULNERABILITY TRAINING
Last week the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit was also present as part of the day of impact in Ashington, delivering their vulnerability awareness training to over 50 staff from policing, local authorities, bars and charities.
The training helps staff recognise signs of vulnerability and gives them the confidence to step in safely, signpost support, and play their part in safeguarding those at risk.
Email vru@northumbria-pcc.gov.uk for more information on our upcoming sessions
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