With winter approaching and popular celebrations such as bonfire night, Christmas and New Year just around the corner, a comprehensive programme of preventative activity is underway to reduce serious violence and keep communities safe.

Earlier this year, the Violence Reduction Unit’s Seasonal Violence Fund supported targeted initiatives throughout the summer, with efforts including increased visible police patrols and positive youth activities, resulting in reductions of up to 36% in violent crime in some hotspot areas.

Building on this success, and with winter fast approaching, the focus has shifted to addressing potential challenges that come with the darker nights, particularly as celebrations often increase social gatherings, alcohol consumption and late-night events.

Through a collaborative effort with the Violence Reduction Unit, Community Safety Partnerships, Northumbria Police and youth organisations, high-impact projects are being rolled out in hotspots across the Northumbria force area to ensure resources are directed where they are needed most.

Preventative measures will see extra patrols, taxi marshals and youth activities amongst some of the planned activities, all tailored to curb potential rises in winter violence as the darker nights set in.

In Gateshead, neighbourhood police teams and council licensing staff are using local intelligence and working closely with licensed premises to monitor and prevent violence linked to the night-time economy.

In Newcastle, a multi-agency taskforce is carrying out patrols in city centre hotspots during evening and weekends, with staff receiving additional training to better understand the risks of knife crime and vulnerability.

In North Tyneside, a range of targeted operations are focused on reducing violent crime, especially in areas that become busier during the longer nights.

In Northumberland, officers are taking a data-driven approach to tackling violence with a key focus on alcohol-related incidents and the night-time economy.

In South Tyneside, a series of sports activities and youth initiatives are in place to keep young people engaged in positive activities during the winter months.

In Sunderland, taxi marshals and increased patrols are there to help reassure the public and reduce disorder during the city’s night-time economy.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth said: “The safety and well-being of our communities is paramount, and this targeted activity is a crucial step in our continued efforts to keep people safe, especially during the darker nights.”

“I’ve spent time in local communities, listening to your concerns and ideas, and the activity we have underway directly reflect your priorities. As winter approaches and we are all spending more time out and about, we want to make sure we do everything we can to keep you safe.”

“With the combined efforts of the Violence Reduction Unit, Community Safety Partnerships, Northumbria Police and local youth organisations, we are united in our approach to making our streets safer and communities stronger.”

For more information about the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit, visit the website.

NORTHUMBRIA Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, is putting a call-out to communities to apply for funding to support safe spaces, promote good relations in neighbourhoods and to nurture a sense of belonging for all in the Northumbria area.

Through her newly formed Commissioner’s Community Fund, PCC Dungworth is making £100k available to build on work that supports safer streets and stronger communities, following the civil disorder seen in the summer months.

The fund has been designed to empower local people and give communities affected by hate crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) a helping hand to cope and recover from recent experiences. It is also looking to support projects and initiatives that are determined to educate people and stamp our racism and hateful behaviours for good.

Micro grants of £1K and larger grants of £5K are to be made available to fund a range of projects including those that tackle hate crime or divert people away from anti-social behaviours. Susan is particularly interested in projects that will encourage the reporting of hate crimes or that will help engage and educate various groups.

The fund is being launched to coincide with National Hate Crime Awareness Week (NHCAW) 2024 which has a theme of bringing people together to advocate against all forms of hate crime, emphasizing unity and community safety.

Schools, community, charity, social enterprise or voluntary groups are all invited to bid for funding to support projects which focus on:

1. Repairing the damage caused by hate crime and work to improve community cohesion.

2. Preventing and reducing youth or adult ASB including the provision of diversionary activities.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said:

“Following the civil unrest of the summer, there was an incredible sense of coming together to stand up to hate across the North East and I want to build on this with a fund specifically designed to support and strengthen all our communities. I’m looking for anything that specifically brings people together from different backgrounds and ethnicities and that helps foster a wider sense of community and belonging for everyone.

“I want to hear from groups that offer activities that support integration, promote shared interests and celebrate the culture, heritage and diversity of the area. The more we do stand up to hate and call out racism the better. I look forward to seeing fresh schemes and initiatives rolled out in our communities to help make our streets safer and our communities stronger.”

Kumareswardas Ramanathan, who works with young people in Sunderland, has welcomed news of the fund. He said:

“Our diverse communities demonstrated resilience and a sense of solidarity in face of adversity and hostility during the civil unrest in the summer and we are working with our partners to repair the damage to community relations and harmonious relations amongst different communities that we have enjoyed over many years. I very much welcome the launch of the Commissioners Community Fund which will give our diverse communities the opportunity to offer activities that celebrate our rich cultures and foster good relations between different groups. I am grateful to the Police and Crime Commissioner for her commitment to making our streets safer and our communities stronger.”   

The fund is aimed at local grassroots organisations, projects and schools that strive to make their community a better place, combat hate crime in response to civil unrest and reduce ASB through diversionary activities and projects

For further details and to apply visit https://northumbria-pcc.gov.uk/your-priorities/police-crime-plan/improving-lives/commissioners-community-fund-24-25/

The closing date for applications is the 22^nd November.

PRESS RELEASE

THE rumour that police won’t prosecute the shoplifting of goods under £200 is ‘simply untrue’ says Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth.

Speaking after a Retail Roundtable event held in South Shields last week, the Commissioner debunked what she described as ‘harmful rumours’ that can encourage offending and hamper police action if crimes go unreported.

The Commissioner asked Chief Inspector Ian Blakemore, Northumbria Police’s retail crime lead, about the misconception as the topic has previously been raised by retailers and members of the public. In response she was given categorical reassurance that there was no lower limit for the police to investigate shoplifting.

Susan is now raising awareness of this in support of Safer Business Action Week which sees police and partners across the country joining together to reduce business crime.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said: “This myth that thieves will get away with stealing lower value goods is simply untrue and it’s damaging to policing perceptions and retail crime reporting. And so, I want to put these persistent rumours to bed. Officers have made it clear to me that there has never been an operational £200 policy – and there are absolutely no plans for there to be.

She continued: “Time and time again, we are seeing offenders who have committed shoplifting offences well below the £200 mark, rightly being put before the courts. Anyone thinking otherwise or that they will get away with it is wrong. Let’s be clear – Northumbria Police will take robust action against those who are committing shop theft at all levels – whether it’s a fiver or five hundred pounds – theft is theft. Shoplifting can also go hand in hand with violence, threats and abuse towards staff and these offences will also be treated with the seriousness they deserve.”

Reports of shoplifting have been rising across the UK and tackling this crime is very much a priority for Northumbria Police who use uniformed patrols in hotspots, plain clothes operations and public engagement to tackle shoplifting. Most recently additional patrols as part of Project Shield, funded through the PCC’s office, have been praised for increasing visibility and helping deter crime.

Chief Inspector Ian Blakemore, Northumbria Police’s Retail Crime Lead, said: “We take every report of theft very seriously and we carefully assess the risk to determine the best course of action.

“We understand the detrimental impact theft can have on businesses, shop workers and the community.

“It’s also often the case that proceeds from shoplifting contribute towards funding more serious and organised criminality.

“That’s why it’s important we continue to work closely with businesses and organisations to create a hassle-free, safe environment for shoppers and retailers.”

More than 200 schools across the Northumbria force area have signed up to deliver Pol-Ed, an innovative educational programme designed to enhance learning around healthy relationships, staying safe, and understanding the law.

With a key focus on prevention and community cohesion, Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit and Northumbria Police have joined forces to bring Pol-Ed to local schools, benefitting thousands of children from primary through to secondary levels.

This initiative is part of a wider effort to combat anti-social behaviour, crime and violence through early intervention, with Pol-Ed promoting a proactive approach to education.

Developed by teachers for teachers, Pol-Ed has been praised for its ease of use and alignment with the existing Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) curriculum.

The new resources will help reach more young people at the earliest point, and complements the current awareness sessions delivered by the Violence Reduction Unit and Northumbria Police education teams.

The lessons and supporting resources cover a wide range of topics, from safeguarding to community safety, designed to help young people understand the consequences of harmful behaviours, and ensuring they are better equipped to make informed and positive decisions.

By fostering awareness of these issues early on, young people can help play their part in creating safer and stronger communities throughout the region.

Speaking about the positive uptake from schools, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth said: “Prevention is the key to building safer, stronger communities, and this programme provides teachers with the tools they need to help children stay safe and understand the law. I’m delighted that more than 200 schools have already committed to rolling out Pol-Ed, and the feedback from teachers has been overwhelmingly positive.”

“The Pol-Ed resources have been made available for free to every school across the Northumbria force area, and my special thanks go to West Yorkshire Police for developing the programme.

“So, if your school hasn’t signed up yet, I strongly encourage you to do so. The team are on hand to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. Together, we can make a real difference.”

Chief Superintendent Joanne Park-Simmons, of Northumbria Police’s Prevention Department, said: “Prevention is one of our Force priorities and we are absolutely committed to using this tactic to ensure our communities remain among the safest places to live, work and visit in the country.”

“The innovative Pol-Ed programme is a fantastic project which gets across to youngsters the seriousness of being involved in anti-social behaviour and other forms of crime.”

“I’d like to thank the 200 schools who have signed up to the project so far and encourage others who haven’t yet got involved to do so. Your co-operation is key in helping us to educate future generations and keep our young people safe.”

Schools interested in signing up or learning more about Pol-Ed should contact Northumbria Police by email to school.liaison@northumbria.police.uk.

ENDS

Young people across the Northumbria force area have successfully secured nearly £16,000 in funding to lead a series of innovative, youth-driven projects aimed at tackling knife crime and reducing anti-social behaviour.

The funding, awarded through the Violence Reduction Unit’s Local Youth Fund, empowers young people to develop creative solutions that they believe will prevent serious violence and improve safety in their communities.

With 9 projects set to receive a share of the funding, each initiative is designed and delivered by young people, with the aim of creating safe spaces, and offering peers alternatives to crime and violence.

From sports programmes to educational workshops, these projects reflect a wide variety of approaches to preventing serious violence and fostering community cohesion.

A panel of young people had the challenging task of selecting the winning projects from an impressive pool of applications, highlighting their drive to make a real and lasting difference in the region.

The 9 funded projects include:

• Weekly football sessions: A 20-week football programme providing young people with a physical activity and a safe environment to discuss the impact of knife crime, healthy relationships and personal safety with peers.
• Monthly Member Meetings: A forum for young people to raise concerns, engage with guest speakers on key issues, and present their solutions to community leaders.
• Free Boxing Sessions: A Friday night boxing programme giving young people the chance to keep fit, do something positive, and discourage anti-social activity.
• Multi-Sport Programme: A six-week programme offering young people the chance to try MMA, dodgeball, football and more, providing a platform to hold discussions about knife crime, learn new skills and build friendships.
• Awareness Campaign: A group of young people will create some educational materials highlighting the dangers of carrying knives, and presenting at local school assemblies.
• Photography Project: A creative project, which will see young people explore feelings of safety in their community, and through utilising photography, they will capture the issues faced and suggest solutions.
• Culture Day Celebrating Diversity: An event organised by young people to celebrate diversity and educate attendees through art, history, performances and food, promoting unity and understanding.
• Film-Making Workshop: A weekly workshop, which will see young people create a film focused on community cohesion, resulting in a local cinema screening it to showcase local pride.
• Against Knife Crime Project: A project creating a safe space for young people to discuss serious violence, culminating in the development of an awareness video and community football match.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth congratulated the young people, saying: “It’s truly inspiring to see young people stepping up and taking the lead in creating safer and stronger communities. These projects, funded by the Violence Reduction Unit, not only help prevent serious violence but also give young people the opportunity to develop crucial life skills, boost their confidence, and provide them with a sense of ownership and accomplishment as they bring their ideas to life.”

“The creativity and passion demonstrated by the applicants has been remarkable, and I know the selection process was incredibly tough. I can’t wait to see these fantastic projects in action and to meet the brilliant young people who developed them.”

Steven Hume, Director of the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit, added: “Through the Local Youth Fund, we’re giving young people a platform to be heard, to take action, and to create lasting change in their communities. It’s vital that they are part of the conversation around crime prevention, and these projects are a fantastic example of what can happen when young people feel empowered to make a difference.”

For more information about the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit and the Local Youth Fund, visit the website.

ENDS

PROJECT SHIELD’ PRAISED AS SERIOUS VIOLENCE FALLS BY A QUARTER ACROSS HOTPSOT AREAS IN NORTHUMBRIA

HIGH visibility patrols rolled out through Project Shield have helped towards a significant decrease in serious violence across Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, says Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth.

Police figures show serious violence has fallen by 23 per cent across hot spot areas, compared to the same period the year before. In Sunderland City Centre the fall has been 25 per cent – a welcome and reassuring reduction after the scenes of civil unrest earlier this year.

The Project Shield hotspot policing approach sees high visibility patrols and targeted activity specifically rolled out in areas of previous concern. It aims to deter crime and reassure the local community. Additional patrols and activity provide the opportunity to prevent crime and gather important intelligence.

So far this year, the project has helped deliver nearly 6000 additional hours of foot patrols in the 15 hotspot areas, working alongside Nexus, stagecoach, British Transport Police and all six local authorities in the Northumbria Police force area.

As well as law enforcement action, crime deterrence and community engagement, those involved in the project have also been coming together to focus on the root causes of serious violence and devise long term plans to help prevent it. The Northumbria Violence Reduction is also playing a key part in preventing spikes in serious violence through its Seasonal Violence Fund. This delivers projects working closely with Community Safety Partnerships, Northumbria Police and a range of youth and community organisations, in a bid to tackle serious violence together and steer young people away from criminality.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said: “Not only are these results really encouraging, but I am also finding people that speak to me when I’m out in these communities or attending meetings are saying the same thing – they’ve been noticing more officers and crucially, they’ve been feeling safer. When I was elected, I made a commitment to delivering safer streets and stronger communities and I am grateful to Northumbria Police and all our partners working on this project because this targeted approach is paying off – it’s stopping serious harm from happening. People need to feel safe and comfortable when they’re going about living their lives and we’re really committed to keeping the momentum up with this work to show we are listening and responding to the concerns of residents and businesses.”

Chief Superintendent Joanne Park-Simmons, of Northumbria Police, said: “These are very welcoming figures as we and our partner organisations continue to work hard to further reduce serious violence across our communities. The public and those working in businesses should rest assured that much more Project Shield activity is planned in the upcoming weeks and months to keep people safe, deter crime and positively engage with people. If you have any concerns over anti-social behaviour or crime in your area, then please do not hesitate to contact us so that we can take the appropriate action, while also further building on our intelligence picture around any issues affecting our communities.”

Cllr Kelly Chequer, Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council, and Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Safer Communities, said: “It is a high priority for us that our residents are safe when they are out and about in the city centre, and we work closely with our partners to help everyone feel safe and reassured, so I am delighted to see the difference Project Shield is making already. It is reassuring to see some excellent early results. Our Neighbourhood Enforcement Team will continue its high visibility patrols and engagement with residents and businesses to not only tackle violent crime but also get to the bottom of the issues that cause it.”

Project Shield is a force-wide project to protect communities by tackling serious violence and antisocial behaviour in hotspot areas. Project Shield investment was secured by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria through the ASB Hotspot Response Fund and will run until March 2025.

END