|
As we head into the busy summer months, plans are underway to keep our communities safe and welcoming for everyone. North Tyneside’s annual Operation Coastwatch is back in action to tackle anti-social behaviour along the coastline, with partners working together to provide reassurance, increased patrols and an effective response if needed.
But prevention is as important as enforcement. This month I also joined Good Vibes DJ workshops in Gateshead. Projects like this provide a wonderful opportunity for young people to learn new skills, grow their confidence, make friends and engage in something positive. By investing in opportunities like this we can steer young people steer away from crime and ASB while strengthening our communities for the future.
Best wishes,
Susan Dungworth
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner
|
Priority 1:
Engaged and responsive police force
|
|
|
|
More officers on our streets
My congratulations to the new Northumbria Police officers who have completed their initial training and attended their Attestation celebration event earlier this month. I met this cohort of 94 new officers on day one when they joined.
Since then I’ve been visiting them during their training, so it was a special occasion to see they’d progressed to officially become officers and begin their police careers.
Getting more officers out where people want to see them - policing their neighbourhoods - is central to my plan for safer streets and stronger communities so I am pleased that through the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee we’ve had 216 neighbourhood police officers and police community support officers (PCSOs) hired or redeployed across Northumbria in the last year.
|
|
|
Priority 2:
Crime and antisocial behaviour
|
|
|
Bold new look for Byker
Shields Road is looking brighter, bolder and more vibrant thanks to a community art project helping transform the heart of Byker. For the last two years, Byker has been a Project Shield hotspot, with police and partners rolling out additional patrols and targeted activity which has helped deliver a 40% reduction in ASB as a 12-month rolling average. I’m pleased to have supported this latest initiative through Project Shield and backed by Newcastle City Council as part of the Inclusive, Healthy, Vibrant High Streets Project. It’s all part of ongoing work to help improve public spaces so people can feel proud of them.
Read more here |
|
|
Priority 3:
Serious violence and organised crime
|
|
|
|
Action to tackle knife crime
Sceptre, the national week of action tackling knife crime, builds on the work taking place in communities all year round, and reflects our strong partnership approach to preventing violence, supporting young and vulnerable people, and tackling offending.
Knife crime can have a devastating and lasting impact on individuals, families and communities, which is why preventing violence and keeping people safe remains a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan.
As part of Sceptre we launched new dedicated Northumbria Police patrols through Project Guardian, funded through the Home Office’s Knife Crime Concentration Fund.
This is part of ongoing work to prevent serious violence, reduce knife crime and help keep people safe. The Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit was also busy working with schools, community groups and partners to educate young people, raise awareness, and support those most at risk.
|
|
|
Priority 4:
Violence against women and girls
|
|
|
|
Healthy relationships education
Everyone has the right to safe and healthy relationships, and it’s vital we help young people recognise when something doesn’t feel right.
Thank you to Holly’s Hope for joining our Violence Reduction Unit for a recent education session at Gust Independent School in Ashington, where Micala bravely spoke about the tragic loss of her daughter, Holly.
Her input was incredibly powerful and thought-provoking, helping students understand the ‘red flags’ in relationships and the devastating impact they can have.
Sessions like these give young people the space to talk openly and honestly, ask questions, and reflect on what relationships mean to them in a safe and supportive environment. They help young people recognise the warning signs, understand the consequences, and know where to turn for advice and support – so they feel informed, supported, and equipped to make safe choices.
|
|
|
Priority 5:
Hate crime and community cohesion
|
|
|
|
Inclusion by default
Asian Business Connexions always do an amazing job bringing people together, putting inclusion in action and creating opportunities.
A great example of this was a few weeks ago when I joined the Inclusion by Default Conference – where I was asked to speak on building safer, more confident and cohesive communities, and how that links with happiness – and for most of us happiness starts with feeling safe.
The event also gave me the opportunity to talk about my Police and Crime Plan and how I am refreshing it to make sure it reflects the needs of all our residents, businesses and communities. I welcome hearing different people’s insights, experiences and perspectives and there will be more on this and how you can have your say in the coming months.
|
|
|
Priority 6:
Victims and justice
|
|
|
|
Supporting our student communities
It was Newcastle Student’s Union ‘Bring Your Own Boundaries’ event this month - an opportunity for students to come together to take part in important conversations around sex, consent, active bystander awareness and healthy boundaries.
My office’s programme lead for Women’s Safety in Public Places spoke to students about a range of services and support available to support them funded through the OPCC. This included The Safe Haven Van offering a visible safe spot in the busy city centre nightlife, and The Angel Centre which is our sexual assault referral centre providing confidential medical care and practical emotional support.
These are just a few of the ways we have invested in ensuring student safety and we will keep working with partners to ensure that our student community has everything they need to enjoy themselves alongside their studies.
|
|
|
If you or someone you know has been affected by crime, whether this is Anti-Social Behaviour, Violence Against Women and Girls, Hate Crime or another crime type, we want to make sure you get the best support for you. We are committed to commissioning a range of support services who can offer specialist, tailored support to help with the impact of crime and in your recovery. Details of our commissioned specialist support services and how you can access them can be found here - Victims Services Directory – full list - Northumbria PCC
|
|
|
|
|
