The region’s police organisations have teamed up with partners to host a unique event aimed at shining a light on evidence-based practice that reduces the harm caused by serious and organised crime.

The North East Serious and Organised Crime Conference, was an innovative two-day event, that saw key specialists come together to deliver inputs showcasing national and regional examples of success, demonstrating new opportunities, highlighting new threats, and detailing new capabilities that can be utilised to assist in the prevention of serious and organised crime.

Held at the amazing Glow Centre in Aycliffe Business Park, on March 25 and 26, it was led by the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) with the support of Durham Constabulary, Cleveland Police and Northumbria Police.

The Society for Evidence-Based Policing kindly sponsored the event and it also saw all three of the region’s Police and Crime Commissioners attend and show their support, with Susan Dungworth and Joy Allen, introducing speakers throughout both days.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth said: “Criminal networks often prey on the most vulnerable members of our communities, fuelling violence, exploitation, and fear. The impact this has on individuals, families, and communities is devastating – and this has to stop.

“Tackling serious and organised crime is everyone’s responsibility. We all have a role to play, and no single organisation can tackle it alone. That’s what this conference was all about, bringing together experts from across policing, sharing innovative approaches, and highlighting new opportunities.

“This is a relentless fight but one we are absolutely committed to winning. By sharing intelligence, strengthening our partnerships, and focusing on both disruption and prevention, we will continue making it harder for criminals to operate. Together we will create safer, stronger communities for everyone.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Phil Shutt, Head of NEROCU, said: “It was a fantastic event and we’ve had an incredibly positive response from those who attended.

“I want to thank all those who attended the conference and a special thank you to those who delivered a presentation. Everybody engaging with sessions is what made it the success it was.”

The event also had stalls from Cyber and Economic Crime specialists, Tackling Organised Exploitation (TOEX), Northumbria Police’s Trainee Detective Programme that tackles knife crime, and the City of London Police.

DCS Shutt added: “In the North East we are proud of the connected and coherent response we deliver to the threat of serious and organised crime, providing a collaborative whole system approach across the region with our ROCU, three police forces, NCA and all our partners.

“NEROCU plays a pivotal role in connecting local to national delivery, and events like this are crucial in sharing best practice and raising awareness of the latest innovative capabilities available to maintain our momentum in targeting those involved in serious and organised crime and protecting our communities.”

Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, is urging schools to sign up for The Alice Ruggles Trust school assembly programme, as it gains momentum across the force area..

Funded by the PCC’s office, the Trust is delivering free assemblies to secondary schools across the Northumbria Police force area to help students learn about the warning signs, understand the law, and know where to seek help if needed.

18 schools across the region have already signed up to the project, with 13 assemblies delivered to date. The Alice Ruggles Trust seeks to give young people the confidence to recognise stalking behaviours and empower stalking victims to seek help much sooner, and to build a society that responds in the right way.

Stalking often leads to emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical harm and has been experienced by 1 in 5 young people in the UK. 47% of young people who reported being stalked experienced it online.

Working with partners to prioritise prevention to help reduce violence against women and girls (VAWG) is a key focus for the PCC, who launched her ‘Safer Streets: Stronger Communities’ Plan last month. The Commissioner believes this school assemblies programme is a great example of that prevention work in action.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said:

“A real way to protect our young people is to get more education around stalking in our schools. The more young people we can get in front of to raise awareness of what stalking can look like and how to enjoy healthy relationships, the better.

“We need to support young people and not normalise or trivialise unwanted behaviours and we need to bust the misconceptions – it’s not just a problem for celebrities – it can happen to anyone.  Anyone can become a victim, and anyone can become a stalker if their behaviour towards another person is fixated, obsessive, unwanted and repeated.

“As these engaging assemblies cover, the impact it can have on the victim and their families can be devastating. So, I am appealing to students and to teachers to take a proactive approach in raising awareness by reaching out to The Alice Ruggles Trust and make an important assembly happen in your school.”

Feedback following the school assemblies included a 16-year-old girl commenting “Even if it seems like innocent intentions, your feelings are still validated.” A 14-year-old boy added that he’d learnt “It should always be taken seriously; even if it’s nothing, it’s better to tell someone before it’s too late.”

Lydia Bond, Community Engagement Officer for The Alice Ruggles Trust, who delivers the programme in schools, said:

“Seeing students engage with these sessions and hearing their reflections has been incredibly rewarding. Their words show just how vital it is to educate young people on the seriousness of stalking and healthy relationship behaviours. We’re also incredibly grateful for our volunteers, whose support makes all of this possible—but we still need more people to get involved and help us reach even more young people. We’re making real progress in Northumbria, and I’m excited to keep expanding this work.”

Clive Ruggles added: “It is the mission of the Alice Ruggles Trust to foster generations of young people who understand stalking, the potential risks of stalking, and what they can do about it. We know our assemblies across Northumbria are starting vital conversations that are part of the prevention puzzle to bringing stalking to an end.”

To arrange an assembly or learn more about how to volunteer with this vital initiative, contact Lydia at The Alice Ruggles Trust  lydia@alicerugglestrust.org

Just four months after its launch, the Violence Prevention Ambassadors Programme has reached a major milestone, training over 100 ambassadors and engaging more than 500 individuals, in the fight against serious violence.

Led by the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit, the initiative is growing rapidly, building a strong network of frontline staff, youth workers, and community leaders equipped with the knowledge and tools to intervene early and prevent violence before it escalates.

With tackling serious violence remaining a top priority across the Northumbria force area, this surge in trained ambassadors reflects a growing commitment to breaking cycles of violence and creating safer communities.

By identifying risk factors early, Violence Prevention Ambassadors can support young people before they are drawn into violence.

The programme’s online training, made up of four interactive modules, offers individuals with crucial insights into:

• Knife Crime Awareness – The causes, consequences, and prevention strategies for Knife Crime, and signposting additional support.
• Joint Enterprise – The legal implications and common misconceptions of group-related criminal activity.
• Gangs and Youth Violence – what gangs are, what they do, the role of women and girls, and the work done to prevent recruitment.
• Hidden Harms – Recognising the impact of parental substance misuse, mental health issues, and domestic abuse, and understanding how to support those affected.

Upon completing the training, participants become Violence Prevention Ambassadors, joining the fast-growing network dedicated to tackling the root causes of serious violence.

To mark this significant milestone, the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit brought together the first cohort of trained ambassadors, recognising their commitment to preventing violence, and encouraging more professionals to take part.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth said: “Tackling serious violence isn’t just about policing, it’s about prevention, education, and empowering those working with young people to intervene at the earliest point. In just four months, we’ve built a network of over 100 Violence Prevention Ambassadors, all committed to keeping young people safe and diverting them away from harm.”

“Becoming an ambassador isn’t just about knowing the facts, it’s about taking action. For every young person reached, every conversation had, and every barrier broken down, this contributes to a future where violence does not define our communities.”

She added: “Please keep spreading the word about this programme. Tell your colleagues, share it with your networks, because imagine the impact we could have if even more people got involved. Together, we can build safer, stronger communities for everyone.”

Steven Hume, Director of the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit said: “The Violence Prevention Ambassadors Programme is part of the wider work of the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit, and our partners, in tackling the root causes of serious violence and diverting people from violent crime. Every ambassador represents a trusted adult who can help support a young person in making safer, more informed choices. The fact we’ve already surpassed 100 trained individuals in just a few months shows the demand for this kind of support. We’re determined to keep growing the network, and I encourage you to sign up.”

As the new Netflix show Adolescence grips the nation, Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner is backing calls for the series to be shown in schools across the region, as supported by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer earlier this week.

The gripping series tells the story of a 13-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of murdering a female classmate. It exposes how online misogyny and sexism are radicalising men and young boys – fuelling behaviours that can lead to Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG).

Tackling VAWG is a key priority in Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth’s Police and Crime Plan for safer streets and stronger communities. The delivery of educational programmes engaging men and boys to reduce harm to women and girls is a key area of work for her office.

With growing concerns among parents and teachers alike, the PCC is highlighting other free resources available to schools in the area to help educate young people and open up conversations.

Examples include:

It All Adds Up – created by Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland and funded by the PCC’s office, this free digital resource helps schools, youth groups and educators address sexual harassment and harmful attitudes through early education. DETAILS

Pol-Ed – an innovative educational programme designed to enhance learning around healthy relationships, staying safe, and understanding the law – funded by the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit. DETAILS

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said:

“There’s been a lot of talk about the Netflix series ‘Adolescence’, and ‘toxic masculinity’ this week and it’s an issue I am very aware of. If we don’t educate others and speak out on this topic things will only get worse. This may be a drama, but it highlights very real lessons for us all.

“As we saw with the character Jamie – misogynist toxic views can escalate into the unthinkable. It makes you think as society what more can we be doing to stop this and intervene earlier whether it’s calling out behaviours or making mental health support more accessible.

“Adolescence showed a relatable ordinary family whose life is torn apart and it highlighted how parents and schools, all of us, can be clueless about the language young people are using, what young minds are absorbing and how it’s impacting them.

She continued:

“I worry for teenagers who are regularly served up horrific content on social media apps, including violent and sexually explicit material – they say it pops up randomly – they’re being targeted through algorithms and who knows what influence it can have.

“I want to support teachers navigating this issue and that’s why my office has funded various packages to help guide lessons and discussions. I want to really build on this work, and I plan to lobby for more funding to tackle this – it’s a growing cultural crisis.

“Fortunately, we have a Government that’s acutely away of these issues and is encouraging Adolescence to be rolled out in schools to raise awareness, educate and deter young minds. Ministers are pressing on with things like the Online Harms Act and I know lots of top level conversations are being had around how we protect children from an environment that is increasing hostile and dangerous. If a TV drama helps push this work to the top of the agenda to drive change then it has to be a good thing.”

For more information around school resources made available through the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office visit: www.northumbria-pcc.gov.uk.

Or email enquiries@northumbria-pcc.gov.uk

PROJECTS making a significant impact tackling anti-social behaviour and serious violence across Northumbria have been given a boost, following a Government announcement of a further £4million to help deliver on priorities that matter to local people.

Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, has welcomed news that funding has been secured for two of the region’s key crime prevention initiatives – Northumbria’s Violence Reduction Unit and Project Shield.

Together, the funding will support robust targeted policing and early intervention initiatives tackling two of the priorities set in the PCC’s Police and Crime Plan – ASB and serious violence.

An extra £1.8m is coming to Northumbria through The Hotspot Action Fund allowing Project Shield to continue providing increased patrols and engagement in target areas. A further £2.2m has been secured for Northumbria’s Violence Reduction Unit, as part of Government’s Safer Streets Mission. This means the Unit can continue building on its preventative work in tackling the root causes of serious violence.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, who launched Project Shield with partners following her election last summer, said:

“It’s great we have a Government that is giving financial backing to two key approaches that we’ve seen are making a real difference across our force area. There is no single solution to stopping things like ASB and serious violence but combining a range of approaches certainly helps. People want to see more patrols to support communities and deter crime – as we’re delivering through Project Shield. And they want fewer people to turn to crime in the first place, and that’s where the VRU comes in – identifying issues early and responding with targeted diversionary work.

“What both these projects recognise is the need for the whole region to come together in tackling these issues – they’re not just police problems – our council, transport and community partners can, and are playing a key part in the successes we have seen to date. There really is a sense of togetherness among all those working hard for our communities.

“Residents are telling me they’re seeing the impact this work is having, and they want more of it – and that is what they will get thanks to the Government’s confirmation of continued funding. As PCC, I have set out a clear plan for delivering safer streets and stronger communities and I very much see Project Shield and the work of the Violence Reduction Unit, playing a valuable role in achieving this.”

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Hill, of Northumbria Police, said: “We are aware that anti-social behaviour and serious violence can have serious and life-changing consequences, which can also affect the wider public.

“Through the work of Project Shield, latest figures show that we are having a significant impact in addressing these issues in order to reassure residents and keep our communities amongst some of the safest in the country.

“We remain grateful for the continued support of our partner organisations as well as residents as we carry on our efforts in this area.

“We are confident that this latest announcement confirming additional funding will help us to further drive down ASB and serious violence in our region, getting more weapons seized, locating more known offenders and engaging further with the public we serve, including our young people, in the process.”

Since its launch, Project Shield has delivered an additional 21,664 patrol hours by police and partners, as well as targeted activity across areas of concern. It is one of a number of initiatives that has helped anti-social behaviour fall by 18.10% in localised areas, and serious violence by 12.85%. Alongside other VRU interventions, it has contributed to an overall force wide reduction of 5.8% in serious violence and 5.7% in offences involving a knife.

A pioneering youth programme aimed at tackling knife crime is marking one year since its launch, with the original group of young people returning this week as Ambassadors to share how their experiences are shaping the choices they make.

The Trainee Detective Programme, developed by Northumbria Police in partnership with the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit, has welcomed multiple cohorts over the past year, giving more than 80 students the chance to step into the role of detectives.

Empowering young people to take a stand against knife crime, this immersive, week-long programme mirrors the real-life investigation into the murder of Connor Brown, a Sunderland teenager who was fatally stabbed in 2019.

At the heart of this ground-breaking initiative are his parents, Tanya and Simon Brown, who continue to share their personal story in a powerful effort to educate young people on the devastating impact of knife crime.

A wide range of partners, including police staff, education teams, forensic specialists, medical professionals, and legal experts, have helped bring this programme to life, ensuring young people not only learn about the consequences of knife crime, but are also empowered to make safer choices.

Since taking part last year, students have remained engaged in activities designed to deepen their understanding, including a visit to the Knife Angel in Sunderland last summer, alongside an awareness session delivered by the Connor Brown Trust, reinforcing the clear message that knives impact everyone.

Now, returning as Ambassadors to offer insight into how the initiative is influencing the choices they make, one young person said: “Taking part in this programme has made me realise how serious knife crime is, and the impact it can have on so many people. Now, I want to help others understand the consequences before it’s too late.”

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth said: “Reaching this milestone is a testament to the power of education and the incredible team behind this programme. Most importantly, it reflects the dedication of the young people who have taken part.”

“Initiatives like this spark vital conversations, and I know many of the young people have already spoken with their friends outside of the programme on the devastating impact of knife crime. We need more of this, as prevention is so important.”

“The fact that some of the original group have returned, not only to share their experiences but to take their involvement a step further by becoming Ambassadors, speaks volumes about the lasting influence of this programme. It also reinforces the crucial role of peer support in tackling knife crime.”

“I want to extend my sincere thanks to Tanya and Simon Brown, who continue be an integral part of this programme, sharing their story and channelling such pain and loss into something so positive.”

She added: ‘Equipping young people with the knowledge and confidence to make safer, more informed choices is essential. That’s why we must continue working together to build safer, stronger communities and, ultimately, prevent further tragedies.”

Chief Inspector Angela Hewitt, of Northumbria Police, said: “When this project was launched it was the first of its kind, and I’m over the moon that alongside our partner organisations we’ve been able to make it a success.”

“The triumph of this project means we can continue to raise awareness of the utter devastation carrying a knife can cause and it’s brilliant to see the impact this programme has had on the young people who have already taken part. As a Force we will continue to work with young people, doing all that we can to prevent further instances of knife crime.”

“Thank you again to Connor’s family and our partner organisations. It’s thanks to your collective dedication and enthusiasm, we’ve been able to educate more than 80 students on this incredibly important issue in society so far. I hope this initiative is something we are able to continue to work together on, empowering young people to make the right choice before it’s too late.”

Tanya Brown of Connor Brown Trust: “We feel so proud to be part of this unique programme and work alongside all the amazing people involved. Sharing Connor’s story in this way helps these young people feel the devastating reality, it also empowers them to find out exactly what happened as they delve into forensics and witness statements and all the other elements.”

“The learning outcomes from this is so much more than they realise, and what they learn they share with peers and families. This programme has also inspired some of the young people into considering a future in some of the professions that are involved in the programme which is incredible.”

“We believe in educating to prevent knife crime and we also understand that everyone learns in different ways, this programme offers so many different learning experiences with one clear message, and that is knife crime impacts on everyone. We do all we do because we believe in young people. Young people are tomorrow’s future, and we do not want more families living through the heartache of losing a child or loved one to knife crime.”

Vicky Pinkney, Principal at Hetton Academy said: “I am immensely proud of the students who took part in The Trainee Detective Programme. They have become ambassadors both within school and in the community. They can passionately articulate the impact that knife crime has on families and the community and are not afraid to share their knowledge with others. The impact that this programme has had on the students is life changing”.

The Trainee Detective Programme is part of the wider work of Northumbria Police, the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit, and partners, in tackling the root causes of serious violence, and diverting people from violent crime.