Newcastle’s Safe Haven Van has a fresh new look and will be back parked up on the Bigg Market as a go-to safety spot for anyone feeling vulnerable when out in the city at night.

The Community Safety and Engagement Van, widely known as the Safe Haven, has had a welcome refurbishment thanks to £20K in funding made by Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth. The investment is part of her commitment to delivering safer streets and stronger communities for the people of Northumbria.

A range of technical and aesthetic upgrades have been made to the van which is located at the heart of the Bigg Market. It is in situ from 10 pm to 4 am on Fridays and Saturdays, when footfall is at its highest.

The stand-out blue police vehicle is there to make sure help is at hand if you’ve lost your friends, need to charge your phone or wish to speak to an officer about any safety concerns you may have.

Provisions include a confidential space, medical supplies, information leaflets and phone charging facility and that safe space to talk to a Police Officer.

Police officers work closely with partners including NEAS, Newcastle City Council Street Marshals and Newcastle’s Street Pastors, who all come together to look offer help and support to revellers.

The recent investment also means that when the van is not in use on weekend nights, it will be put to good use as a police engagement resource, providing a base for officers to get out into local communities, ensuring both greater accessibility and visibility.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth said: “The Safe Haven has been a familiar sight to people out in the city for years and since becoming PCC I have heard countless positive stories from police, door staff, the council and even party-goers themselves – thankful for the van and colleagues working together to look after people. Although hugely valued, it was long due an upgrade and so we have made it happen.

“If anyone needs assistance on a night out in the City Centre, the Safe Haven is there, as a help point, and I want to make sure it stands out and people know about it.

She added: “A key priority in my Police and Crime Plan is ensuring we have an engaged and responsive police force and the van puts officers alongside partners right there in the heart of the night-time economy. It’s there to make people feel safe and allow people to easily find and speak to an officer if they need to. On one hand it’s there for crime prevention, and on the other it helps address vulnerability and to support victims. So, whether you need advice or just a sit down somewhere safe, the van is there to welcome you.”

Northumbria Police’s Neighbourhood Inspector Karen Madge said: “This latest funding to re-launch the Safe Haven Van is very welcome as we continue to work hand-in-hand with our partners to keep people safe.

“By night, it becomes a vital space for those who may need help—whether that’s reporting something confidentially to the police, charging phones, finding a safe spot to sit and wait, or reconnecting with family and friends if you’re lost. We can help get you home safely, or support you in seeking medical attention via the treatment centre located next to us.

“And now I’m pleased to say these improvements mean that we’ll be expanding our deployments beyond the night-time economy, in addition to our normal patrol activity.

“Two officers are dedicated to working on the vehicle and are there for advice, support, can be spoken to in confidence.  We are here to help.

“This is brilliant news and really supports our ability to engage with even more people across the city. Ultimately, we aim to be a safe space for everyone—and we’ll be there when they need us.”

ENDS

“We’re getting our police numbers back to where they belong” says PCC, as neighbourhood policing recruitment campaign goes live In Northumbria

POLICE visibility is on the up across Northumberland, Tyne, and Wear, as a new officer recruitment campaign giving new starters a direct route into community policing goes live today (Monday 23 July).

The new recruitment drive means applicants can be recruited directly into neighbourhood policing roles across Northumbria – delivering on the Government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, which has pledged to bolster community teams over the next four years.

Back in 2019, police officer numbers in Northumbria had dropped to a low of 3129, more than 1000 short compared to levels in 2010. However, the 2025 April 1^st officer headcount for Northumbria Police was 3856, with a predicted officer total climbing to 3974 for 2026. This significant increase has been described by Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, as the “upturn Northumbria needs.”

Northumbria is the first College of Policing accredited  Force in the country to offer new recruits a direct route into community policing, meaning those who choose the neighbourhood option will specialise in this area from joining. This pathway can be accessed by graduates, non-graduates and those seeking a degree level apprenticeship.

The new recruitment scheme aims to increase police visibility, especially in town centres as well as boosting community engagement, and tackling issues like anti-social behaviour and crime.

Northumbria Police has been given funding to recruit an additional 95 neighbourhood officers, 27 PCSOs and 30 Special Constables over the next 12 months.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said: “This new recruitment drive is not just about boosting numbers – it’s about real action to get officers exactly where people want to see them – on the streets. It’s the upturn Northumbria needs.

“I’m pleased we have a proactive Force offering this opportunity to those who want to hit the ground running, getting out there making a difference in our local communities.

“Neighbourhood Policing is key to prevention, problem solving and intelligence gathering and this new recruitment programme provides real opportunity for us to grow our force both in numbers, and diversity.”

She added: “The Home Secretary has said the new Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee is about restoring policing to our communities and this new recruitment drive is designed to do just that. It also reflects my own mission in my Police and Crime Plan to deliver safer streets and stronger communities.

“I see this new way in as a great way for us to attract good people with the right skills, strengths, and ambitions from a range of backgrounds. It will help get them straight into doing the work they want to do – building effective working relationships to help prevent crime and support local people.

The numbers really speak for themselves and really show that police visibility is on the up and hopefully we will have 3974 officers serving by April next year. Financial challenges still remain though, especially if we are to achieve Government’s welcome ambitions to halve both knife crime and VAWG over the next decade – it all requires increased resource. Maintaining a strong frontline presence is of course key and this recruitment push is a bold step in the right direction to get officers where people want them – in the heart of our communities.”

Applications for the new Neighbourhood roles will open on Monday 23 June.

Also follow the Force’s social media channels for more information.

Meanwhile Northumbria Police are currently recruiting for other police officer, staff, and volunteer roles.

Visit the careers website at Careers – Northumbria Police

Nationally, the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee will put 13,000 more officers into communities by 2029.

A senior British Transport Police officer has praised Northumbria’s Project Shield for helping drive down crime and improve passenger safety across the rail network.

Superintendent David Rams, who met with Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth in North Tyneside last week hailed Project Shield a ‘first of its kind’ collaborative approach that he believes is really benefiting train passengers in the Northumbria Police force area.

Susan, who launched the project with partners last summer pledged her continued support to working with public transport providers to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) and crime – as outlined in her Police and Crime Plan for safer streets and stronger communities.

British Transport Police has long maintained a close relationship with Northumbria Police working together and drawing in support, planning for major events and responding to incidents. Project Shield has helped enhance this further and since its launch last year has funded an additional 7000 patrol hours and various joint operations.

Heightened visibility and collaborative work through the project has helped achieve impressive results with data from the latest quarter showing a 28% reduction in ASB across the transport hotspot, compared to the same quarter the previous year. There has also been a promising reduction in serious violence this year too, with incident numbers down 22% compared to the same period in the previous year.

As part of their partnership discussions, they also spoke about other shared concerns including county lines and the rise in the number of reports of violence against women and girls on public transport up and down the country.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth: “British Transport Police may have a very specific and unique beat focusing on the safety and security of passengers – but these are people moving in and around our region – residents, commuters and visitors.  And so, we have a lot of shared priorities and focus areas, and I really believe the more joined up we are, the more benefits we will reap – boosting feelings of safety for our passengers and improving community confidence overall.

“Recognising the need to ensure transport safety is a priority here in Northumbria – that’s why we committed to making it a targeted hotspot for Project Shield and this is continuing as we plan the next phase of work. The project has helped deliver some real reductions in both ASB and serious violence, that both David and I very much welcome, I am keen to explore more ways we can work together to address issues and deliver safer stations and trains as well as streets.”

BTP Superintendent David Rams said: “The public’s safety is our number one priority, and we work tirelessly to protect everyone’s journeys on the railway network. We are aware that every offence is one too many and we work relentlessly alongside our policing partners and the rail industry to create a hostile environment for crime on the network,

“We have officers across the rail network around the clock, at stations and on trains, to detect and deter crime and to reassure the public.

“Everyone has the right to travel safely and peacefully and we encourage anyone who experiences anything that disrupts this to report it to us by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40. In an emergency, always dial 999.”

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Hill, of Northumbria Police, said: “Everyone should feel safe and secure while using public transport in our region and we are proud of the part we are playing in reducing ASB incidents on the network.

“Project Shield continues to be an important operation in tackling crime across our communities and alongside partners we are committed to doing everything we can to keep the North East the welcoming place it is for all to live, work and visit.

“Through increased patrols and engagement activity right across the Force area, we aim to build on these encouraging results in the coming weeks and months.

“Please remember, if you need us we are here for you.”

ENDS

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, has welcomed the £800,000 funding boost for the National Rural Crime Unit (NRCU) and the National Wildlife Crime Unit – units that work with Northumbria Police to tackle a range of crime in the more remote areas of the Northumbria region.

The Home Office funds will enhance cross-force collaboration, bolster the use of technology and data, and improve the ability to target organised crime groups involved in these illegal activities.

Tackling rural crime is a priority in the PCC’s Police and Crime Plan which outlines her commitments to supporting Northumbria Police with the development of innovative crime prevention tactics and cross border intelligence sharing.

Recently Northumbria’s Rural Crime Team has been working closely with the NRCU investigating the theft of a large number of GPS units in the Morpeth area. The NRCU tracked a suspect down and Northumbria Police’s Rural Crime Team was able to make an arrest. The male arrested was linked to an international organised crime gang that was subsequently charged with a number of offences with a large number if GPS units recovered.

Earlier this month the Police and Crime Commissioner also joined officers as part of Operation Checkpoint to see first-hand some of the force’s activity to tackle rural crime. Operation Checkpoint is the largest rural operation of its kind in the UK, and it sees Northumbria Police, partners and volunteers join together with six other Forces, to stop crime, wildlife and poaching offences.

PCC Susan Dungworth, said: “As I’ve seen tonight, our police force services some of the largest rural areas in the country and so I welcome the recent investment to specifically tackle crime in such areas and protect our farmers and rural communities.

“Officers have been telling me how the NRCU’s knowledge, enthusiasm and support is invaluable and plays a key role in supporting our efforts to keep our rural communities safe and combat criminality in these areas.

“By giving extra funding to this unit shows that we have a government that is determined to ensure its Safer Streets Mission applies to all communities, no matter where they live – this can only be a good thing for Northumbria and its people.”

Minister for Crime and Policing Dame Diana Johnson said: “When you report a crime, it should be properly investigated, with victims having faith that justice will be delivered and criminals punished.

“But too often victims of crime in rural communities have been left feeling undervalued and isolated, whether it be famers having equipment or livestock stolen, or villages targeted by car thieves and county lines gangs.

“This new funding, alongside the forthcoming Rural and Wildlife Crime Strategy and our Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, will help deliver the change rural communities deserve, ensuring no matter where you live your streets are safe and police responsive to your local needs as we continue to deliver on our Plan for Change.”

The National Rural Crime Unit is headed up by Northumbria police superintendent Andy Huddleston, he said: “I am grateful to the Policing Minister for both her support of the NRCU and the critical funding she has provided. This will ensure the crucial role of the National Rural Crime Co-ordinator, that has been pivotal in information sharing and joint operations across the UK continues.

“Secondly the minister’s contribution to the replacement of the Operational Team vehicles is equally important as it will allow the continued support of forces on the ground and recovery of equipment which since the inception of the team in 2023 stands at more than £23 million.”

Supt Huddleston added: “Rural crime has a truly devastating impact on victims and their livelihoods, and there is no place for this form of criminality whatsoever in our communities.

“Operation Checkpoint always delivers results – and that is down to the fantastic teamwork between all of the Forces, officers, and volunteers who dedicate their time and efforts into making it a success.

“Checkpoint is one of a number of our rural operations alongside partners and volunteers which form part of our robust response to rural crime

“However, our hard work does not stop here and we all look forward to maintaining our efforts to ensure all of our rural communities remain safe places to live, work and visit.”

ENDS

AMBITIOUS plans for the next phase of Project Shield- a targeted policing and community engagement initiative – have been presented at a partnership event, as Government funding continues for another year.

The project aims to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) and serious violence through a partnership approach and increased visibility through uniformed patrols. It supports Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth’s mission to deliver safer streets and stronger communities for local people.

Funding of £1.8m was secured for the project by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), following a successful bid to the Government’s Hotspot Action Fund.

The planning event was attended by the OPCC, Northumbria Police, British Transport Police, Nexus, Stagecoach and all six local authorities across the Northumbria Police force area.

In addition to the ‘boots on the ground’ the Shield teams also consists of analysts and researchers to help guide deployment and identify trends and emerging issues.

Activity is rolled out in targeted areas identified through data and local intelligence. Through a mix of engagement and law enforcement, the project aims to help grow confidence in policing and encourage reporting. In addition to uniformed patrols, the teams deliver days of action and various problem-solving activities in key areas.

Since launching last year, Project Shield has helped deliver a 12.5% reduction in serious violence in targeted areas, when compared to the previous year. It’s also helped deliver a nearly 20% reduction in ASB in these areas too. In total the partnership has delivered 31,244 patrol hours, 227 arrests, 288 stop and searches, 3667 stop checks, used ASB powers 339 times and made 77,029 engagements.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, said, Susan Dungworth: “Since launching Project Shield last year, we have seen it go from strength to strength – as the results demonstrate. It was great to get partners together today to showcase the impact everyone’s hard work is having.”

“The positive impact of the project is being felt far and wide. I’ve had residents in our key areas telling me they’re seeing more uniforms and feeling safer. I’ve also had retailers in our town centres contacting me praising the impact the additional patrols have had. There’s been a lot of interest from the Home Office too.”

She added: “Project Shield supports many of the priorities I set in my Police and Crime Plan for safer streets and stronger communities. My commitments include ensuring we have an engaged and responsive police force, tackling serious violence and reducing crime and antisocial behaviour – Project Shield helps towards it all.

“Today’s partnership event was also about looking ahead and exploring how we build on our success – so we keep cutting crime and keep improving how safe people feel in their communities. People want more of this work and that’s what we are coming together to achieve.”

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Hill, of Northumbria Police, said: “Collaborative working is key to the continued success of Project Shield and we are pleased to have been able to meet up with partners to outline our latest plans to further tackle anti-social behaviour and serious violence in our communities.

“I want those in our Force area to be reassured that we remain committed to identifying those responsible for such criminal activity while also addressing the root causes of these issues.

“We’ve had great feedback from members of the public, who tell us that Project Shield is having a tangible and positive impact on their lives and thanks to renewed funding for 2025/26, we aim drive down the number of incidents in the coming months.”

 ENDS

NORTHUMBRIA Police are set to become the first, and only, Force in the country to offer new recruits a direct route into community policing.

Normally, new starters have to complete a two-year training programme which covers a wide variety of policing.

In this trailblazing move, those who chose the neighbourhood option will specialise in this area from joining and will develop the specialist skills needed for the community policing role. This pathway can be accessed by graduates, non-graduates and those seeking a degree level apprenticeship

The scheme is in response to the Government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee (NPG), which aims to place more officers in local areas with a focus on visible patrols, community engagement, and tackling issues like anti-social behaviour and crime.

Northumbria Police has been given funding to recruit an additional 95 neighbourhood officers, 27 PCSOs and 30 Special Constables over the next 12 months.

Northumbria Police’s Assistant Chief Officer, Joscelin Lawson, said: “This is a really exciting time to be part of something special here at Northumbria Police.

“We have always valued neighbourhood policing – which provides the visible presence on our streets that we know our communities want – and this will enable us to strengthen that even further.

“This new offer opens up a completely new route, with different skills sets.

“Policing is so much more than 999 calls and responding to emergencies. Neighbourhood policing is about visible, trusted officers and staff who understand their area and tackle the issues that matter most to people.

“So, if you are passionate about where you live and want a career with a purpose and makes a real impact, then we would love to hear from you.”

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said: “This is a great move by Northumbria Police to get police officers exactly where residents want to see them – out there in their communities, and it gets my full support.

“As PCC, my mission is clear – I want safer streets and stronger communities, and this new initiative delivers on that. It also shows we have a police force that is putting the Government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee into action with fresh thinking.

“As well as being a benefit to neighbourhoods, it’s also a great way for us to attract good people with the right skills, strengths, and ambitions from a range of backgrounds. It will help get them straight into doing the work they want to do – building effective working relationships with people from
all walks of life that will help prevent crime and support local people. I look forward to meeting successful applicants and seeing them policing the streets following this summer’s recruitment drive.”

Applications for the new Neighbourhood roles will open in June, but you can register your interest now at: Expression of Interest – Direct Entry into Neighbourhood Policing

Also follow the Force’s social media channels for more information.

Meanwhile Northumbria Police are currently recruiting for other police officer, staff and volunteer roles.

Visit the careers website at Careers – Northumbria Police