Throughout February I have seen first-hand how delivering safer streets and stronger communities is a shared responsibility. Through my visits this month I have met dedicated officers, frontline professionals, volunteers and community leaders who are making a real difference through partnership and joint working. 

In this newsletter, I am pleased to share several examples of the collaborative initiatives I have seen in action — projects that are tackling issues at their root, supporting those most vulnerable, and strengthening communities for the long term.

During a policing operation in South East Northumberland I spent time speaking to a particularly vulnerable man being supported by police and partner agencies to be rehoused - helping take him away from criminal influences and restart his life.

Whilst on patrol with the Killingworth, Forest Hall and Longbenton Neighbourhood Police Team I met the owner of a barber’s shop in the Four Lane Ends Interchange. She talked about how she had been a repeated victim of ASB, but working with the police and Nexus they had been able come up with a practical solution. A new wall has been installed at her shopfront and it has been a game changer. It was a really great example of police, partners and the community are using problem solving to reduce crime and ASB.

While policing plays a vital role, lasting change happens when local services and organisations come together to make a difference. We’ve really seen this with Project Shield, which has helped cut ASB across target areas by 32% and 38% across public transport. National funding for this may have come to an end but my office is working closely with partners to find news ways of ensuring Project Shield can continue so we can build on this work and keep making progress. I look forward to updating you on plans in the coming months.

Best wishes,

Susan Dungworth

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner

Priority 1: 

Engaged and responsive police force

Response to retail crime in Killingworth

I am pleased that targeted action on retail crime has been achieving great results in North Tyneside. Earlier in the month I joined officers on patrol at Killingworth Shopping Centre.

Through Op Paradise, neighbourhood policing teams are working with Shopwatch to target repeat offenders, boost visibility and keep shoppers and businesses safe. Joint efforts have had a positive impact as there has been a 34% drop in shop theft across Killingworth, Forest Hall and Longbenton over the past year.

Priority 2: 

Crime and antisocial behaviour

Action and arrests in Ashington

Last week I joined a dedicated Week of Action between police and partners in Ashington. Activity was planned to tackle issues that matter most to the local community and included a range of warrants in relation to drugs and Violence Against Women and Girls offences, along with high visibility patrols out in the community.

Northumberland County Council’s drone, funded though Project Shield, was up in the skies too helping track down an e-bike associated with anti-social behaviour.

I saw some great examples of neighbourhood policing working with others to deliver safer streets and stronger communities and was pleased these efforts resulted in 18 arrests as well as vital disruptions and interventions.

Priority 3: 

Serious violence and organised crime

Breaking the cycles of violence

The Violence Reduction Unit’s Violence Prevention Ambassadors Programme is growing in numbers - and we want to see even more people signed up.  The online training initiative is designed to address the root causes of serious violence in communities. It provides youth workers, practitioners, and community leaders with essential e-learning modules on knife crime, Joint Enterprise, gangs and youth violence, and hidden harms.

Each course is designed to empower trusted adults, increasing their knowledge and equipping them with the skills to support young people in making safer choices. Those who complete all modules will become a Violence Prevention Ambassador, joining a network of dedicated individuals committed to breaking cycles of violence and building safer, stronger communities.

If you or anyone you know wants to sign up click here: Violence Prevention Ambassadors Programme - Northumbria PCC

Priority 4: 

Violence against women and girls

Supporting communities across Sunderland to live free from domestic abuse

Wearside Women in Need has been in the business of protecting women and girls a long time and so it was great to call in when I was in Sunderland the other week, and find out more about the team, their roles and how they’re making a difference.

I also welcomed updates on:
  • How they’re supporting families through the Children Affected by Domestic Abuse funding from my office.

  • Recent success working with Al-Falaq Counselling - connecting and supporting the local BAME community - they now have over 50 women attending their Tea and Talk sessions.

  • The Right Turn - a service for people who want to change the way they behave towards their partner or ex partner.
… and so much more. It really was a valuable session hearing important views and experiences to help inform the VAWG focused work of my office. Thanks to everyone who took the time to speak with me.

Priority 5: 

Hate crime and community cohesion

The largest LGBTQ+ hub in the North East has opened its doors

February was LGBTQ+ History Month and was the perfect time for the opening of the ONE Centre in Gateshead.

In their ‘Safe to be Me’ research supported by my office last year, 31% of LBGTQ+ people said they felt unsafe in public spaces… and this fabulous centre is their response! The centre is a welcoming place for people to connect, feel supported, and belong.

There will be a wide range of activities for people to get involved with, including creative sessions, social get-togethers, workshops, and community-led projects.

A big well done goes to OUT North East for turning an idea into a reality.

Priority 6: 

Victims and justice

Keeping the North East safe at night 

Project Vigilant is one of many measures we are taking across the North East to make sure women are protected and safe from harm.

The North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) operation is a joint effort involving PCCs and forces throughout the region, and it involves:

  • Specially trained plain-clothed officers deployed during the Night Time Economy.

  • They identify individuals who may be displaying predatory behaviour such as harassment, loitering without reason and stalking behaviour.

  • Those individuals are stopped by police, enquiries are carried out, dispersal orders given or where necessary arrests are made.

During the most recent deployment, a total of 42% of the individuals identified and stopped by officers had previous links to offences of violence against women and girls - including domestic abuse or sexual offending. This shows our officers are recognising key behaviours and are doing a great job potentially stopping crime in its tracks.
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