Thousands of young people have been reached through knife crime education, mentoring and positive activities, while hundreds of additional hours of visible policing patrols have been delivered as part of ongoing efforts to tackle serious violence and keep communities safe.
The programme forms part of Northumbria’s collective response to addressing the causes and impact of violent crime, bringing together the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit and partners to work collaboratively under the Serious Violence Duty.
The latest figures show the scale of work being carried out, from educating and supporting young people, to targeting those responsible for violence.
In recent months, officers have delivered an additional 778 hours of uniformed patrols through Project Guardian, using intelligence and crime data to focus activity in areas where it can have the greatest impact.
The Violence Reduction Unit’s dedicated education team have reached over 1,300 young people with knife crime awareness inputs, while a further 117 have been supported by Student Champions with targeted interventions covering knife crime, exploitation and drug-related harm.
The focus deterrence model continues to identify those responsible for serious youth violence in communities, with 36 young people now receiving tailored intervention and support to address their needs.
YOLO, a grass roots diversion project which supports individuals at risk of knife crime has also seen a further 45 young people paired with a mentor, helping them make positive behaviour change and access support.
Almost 4,000 young people have taken part in a summer programme of activities aimed at reducing isolation, vulnerability, and ensuring access to support and opportunities that can help prevent serious violence.
Meanwhile, Young Futures Prevention Panels are bringing together a range of services to provide tailored support and alternatives to crime for young people. The work is helping build confidence, develop new skills, prevent crime, and strengthen community spaces locally.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth said: “This is just some of the activity underway to tackle serious violence and I’m pleased with the progress we’re making. I know that knife crime can have a devasting impact on victims, families and wider communities, so I completely understand the concern people feel when they see reports of violence, especially in the areas they live, work or visit.
“Thankfully we have very small numbers here in Northumbria, but any incident of violent crime is one too many – so I want to be clear when I say that we are taking every possible action to keep our communities safe.
“Enforcement is vital, but so is prevention. That’s why through Northumbria Police, our Violence Reduction Unit and partners, we’re targeting those responsible for violence, removing dangerous weapons from our streets, intervening with those showing signs of vulnerability, and reaching young people early to increase their awareness and prevent them being drawn into crime.
“My message is clear – carrying a knife does not make anyone safer and violence will never be tolerated in our communities – so I’ll keep working with police and partners and investing in the support and interventions needed to prevent serious violence from happening in the first place.”
She added: “I fully support the Government’s mission in halving knife crime and having listened to residents and businesses on what matters most to them, tackling serious violence continues to be a key priority in my police and crime plan. Together, we’re building safer streets, and stronger communities for everyone.”
Superintendent Kevin Waring, of Northumbria Police’s Prevention department, said: “Prevention remains one of our Force priorities and we are well aware of the impact our work and the work of our partners can have on reducing knife crime right across our communities.
“While enforcement is key in the fight against knife crime and weapon carrying, this serious issue cannot be solved by criminal justice measures alone. That’s why alongside colleagues in the Violence Reduction Unit we’re committed to educating younger generations so that our young people take a better path.
“The latest figures speak for themselves. Together, we’re continuing to spread these powerful messages to children and young adults, while also carrying out important, targeted patrol activity.
“I’d ask those adults in our region who care for young people please continue to have those tough conversations with youngsters about the extreme dangers of becoming involved in knife crime. By choosing to arm yourself when out and about, you are actually putting yourself further into harm’s way.”
For more information about the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit, visit the website or email vru@northumbria-pcc.gov.uk.
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