A project making a significant impact on anti-social behaviour and serious violence has delivered further crime reduction in key areas, says Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth.
Speaking at the Northumbria Police and Crime Panel in Gateshead today, the PCC shared welcome news that rolling figures from the latest quarter show a 17% fall in ASB, 20% reduction in serious violence and a 50% reduction in knife crime – in the areas covered by the project.
Project Shield was launched last summer by PCC Dungworth, along with Northumbria Police and partners from all six local authorities and the region’s transport network. It was set up to bring the region together in tackling crime and ASB in identified areas.
The latest quarter, which covered the period from October 1st to December 31stof last year delivered more than 8,000 additional police and partner patrol hours and 81 stop and searches were carried out. This resulted in 52 arrests made and six weapons seized – just through Project Shield patrols alone.
The increased visibility and engagement have received widespread praise among residents, councillors and businesses, who have said the project has helped grow confidence and created more engagement opportunities for local people to report their concerns.
Project Shield activity includes stop and search operations, weapon sweeps, community engagement events, as well as robust action to catch known offenders in hotspot areas.
Alongside this The Violence Reduction Unit and partners are also taking a public health approach to tackling serious violence by engaging vulnerable individuals in targeted initiatives, and ensuring they have the support they need to divert them from crime.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said:
“Project Shield and its partnership approach to hotspot policing is certainly playing a key part in driving down incidents of ASB and serious violence in areas of concern. It’s really boosted officer visibility and created a sense of togetherness among all those working hard for our communities.
“Residents have seen the impact this work is having, and they want more of it. We are hopeful of further Government funding to help us do just that and support Government’s national ambitions of halving knife crime in a decade. As PCC, I have set out a clear plan for delivering safer streets and stronger communities and I recognise the targeted approach of Project Shield can really play a valuable role in helping achieve this, as these latest figures show.”
Chief Superintendent Barrie Joisce, Northumbria Police’s Lead for Anti-Social Behaviour, said: “This is a great result for the project, and everyone involved – and demonstrates just how effective partnership working can be. We are committed as a Force to tackling issues that matter most to the communities we serve. Anti-social behaviour can have a significant negative impact on people’s lives and businesses. Through Project Shield, we have been able to locate areas where ASB is prevalent quicker so we can allocate the necessary resources and apprehend offenders.”
He added: “It is important, however, that we continue this good work and maintain the relationships we have worked so hard to build within the community. As always, we rely on the assistance of you, the public, to be our eyes and ears in reporting this type of crime to us. If you have witnessed ASB activity in your area, do not hesitate to contact us so that we can take the appropriate action. Send us a direct message on social media, use the live chat on our website or go to the report forms, which are also on our website. Alternatively, if you’re unable to contact us via those ways, call 101.n an emergency, or if a crime is taking place, always call 999.”
