NORTHUMBRIA Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth has praised ‘considerable efforts’ to drive down anti-sociable behaviour (ASB) across the force area, as it’s revealed ASB has fallen by 14% following a programme of targeted activity.

Overall, across the whole of Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, there has been a 14% decrease in ASB-related reports, with notable decreases of 22% in Sunderland, and 17% in Northumberland, when compared to the same 3-month period last year.

Chief Superintendent Barrie Joisce believes the force’s strategy which includes ASB hotspot patrols, multiagency hubs and dedicated policing operations has helped drive down anti-social behaviour and is hopeful this will continue as more work gets underway such as the launch of Project Shield last month.

Project Shield, funded through the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office, aims to drive down crime, tackle serious violence and provide reassurance to communities where concerns have been raised. During police and partner patrols, officers also collect vital intelligence to help them understand the causes of ASB, and how to improve the day-to-day safety of those that live and work in areas known for high levels of ASB and serious violence.

Antisocial behaviour covers a lot of different types of behaviour and can affect people in different ways. It is any behaviour that can cause nuisance and annoyance; is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress; creates significant and persistent problems in a neighbourhood and leaves communities intimidated.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said: “Safer streets and stronger communities, that’s my goal – and these figures show promise for residents across Northumberland, Tyne and Wear. Anti-social behaviour is a concern in many parts of our region; it is one of the most frequent issues people contact me about and is certainly a priority for Northumbria Police and I.”

“Since being elected as Police and Crime Commissioner I have been impressed with the drive and commitment of both Northumbria Police and partners in local areas – all determined to address concerns and take ASB as seriously as it should be. There’s a long way to go but thanks to this programme of targeted activity, the numbers are very encouraging – things are heading in the right direction. A 14% reduction really is a great platform to work from. I’m pleased for our communities who are noticing less ASB in their area and I want recent successes to be built upon so this is felt by everyone. I’ll keep assessing the impact of this work over a longer period and in the meantime, people can expect more hi-visibility patrols, days of action, as well as targeted operations and intervention work throughout the summer.”

Chief Superintendent Barrie Joisce, Northumbria Police’s anti-social behaviour lead, said: “These figures are very welcome and testament to the hard work of our officers, who are absolutely committed to reducing anti-social behaviour across all of our communities.

“We have a number of different initiatives in place to tackle such issues and they have only been strengthened by the launch of Project Shield, which takes a targeted approach through increased visibility and community engagement.

“With the support of our partner organisations, I’d like to reassure the public that our work will not stop here, nor our determination relent.

“We will continue to educate young people on the seriousness of such behaviour, while also building up our intelligence picture on those intent on committing crime in our towns, cities and rural areas and dealing with those responsible accordingly.

“I’d also like to thank residents who continue to assist us by providing information and would encourage anyone with concerns about ASB in their area – no matter how small they feel they may be – to contact us so that we can act upon them.

“Together, we can continue to keep our region one of the safest places in the country to live, work and visit.”

Examples of the work believed to be helping drive down ASB across the force area:

  • Operation Capio – A dedicated force-wide operation to tackle motorbike related ASB.
  • Drone investment – New technology to proactively tackle and track motorbike ASB and other criminal activity.
  • Safer Transport Northumbria – A partnership initiative with local councils and transport providers to make the transport network feel safe.
  • Trojan Bus – decoy bus with plan clothes police officers deployed to hotspot areas.
  • New ASB Case Review – A process to ensure victims receive necessary support
  • Project Shield- High visibility patrols in hotspot locations.
  • multi-agency collocated hubs – SARA/SAIL/HALO/City Safe – including use of focussed deterrence workers to divert young people away from ASB.
  • New NPT Model – Added 134 Police Officers into the Neighbour Hood Policing Teams model to increase capacity to problem solve ASB and increase visibility.

You can get in touch with Northumbria Police to report ASB by sending a private message on social media, visiting the live chat on their website or by completing a crime update form. If you’re unable to contact us this way, you can call 101. In an emergency always call 999.

ENDS