Project Shield sees transport ASB fall by 30 per cent

INCIDENTS of anti-social behaviour (ASB) at identified hotspot areas across the Northumbria Police force area have dropped by 30 per cent, figures praised by Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth.

As part of Project Shield, launched by the Police Commissioner, Northumbria Police and partners this summer, officers have been rolling out extra patrols along with councils and transport network partners. Together they have been delivering targeted activity in identified areas of concern, which is making a promising impact.

So far, the project has seen 78 additional police patrols and 1649 partner patrol hours across the transport system which has corresponded with ASB incidents falling from 170 to 119 – a 30 per cent reduction in the first quarter of the project. The number of knife crime incidents also dropped from 3 to 1 which has been welcomed by project leads.

The Commissioner said the project was all about community confidence and driving down crime like anti-social behaviour and serious violence – two areas of heightened public concern given the recent protests and disorder across the region.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth said: “Project Shield is about us all coming together to get officers and partners out there on our public transport network, creating a really visible uniformed presence. As these falling ASB numbers show – the impact has been positive.

“As it happens, in light of recent events relating to disorder and increased fears around racism, having Project Shield operating will no doubt bring added reassurance for people travelling on our public transport. People should be able to get on with their lives and get about our region without fear of abuse or harm. As well as helping people feel reassured it means there is greater resource on hand to catch those responsible for causing misery and harm in our communities too.”

Susan added: “It’s still early days for Project Shield but I know a lot of activity covering engagement, prevention and enforcement has been mapped out for the months ahead to help deliver safer streets and stronger communities.”

Chief Superintendent Barrie Joisce, Northumbria Police’s lead for anti-social behaviour, said: “These figures are positive and testament to the hard work of our officers and those in our partner organisations who undertake the Project Shield patrols within our communities.

“Our transport hubs are busy all year round and we are committed to keeping them as safe and welcoming as possible for frequent users and those who are visiting our fantastic region.

“Although we are making significant headway in further reducing ASB and serious violence in our communities, we have much more activity planned to improve the picture in the coming weeks and months.

“Those intent on carrying out crime in our area should be aware that we will find you and do everything in our power to bring you to justice.

“If you have any concerns over ASB or crime in your area, then please do not hesitate to contact us. This helps to build our ever-growing intelligence picture so that we can take more targeted action.”

Cathy Massarella, Managing Director of Nexus, said: “We’re working hard in partnership with the police and our local authority colleagues to provide greater customer reassurance and reduce anti-social behaviour on Metro and wider public transport network.

“These latest ASB figures show progress and the extra policing we have seen through Operation Shield, and other similar policing operations, has had an impact. Metro is fundamentally a safe transport system and we will continue to work hard to reduce crime and low level disorder hot spots where it occurs.

“This builds on the work that we have already done to improve safety and security, including the roll out of our dedicated security team, new CCTV, body-worn video cameras for frontline teams, and the launch of our new text alert system to allow customers to contact the Metro control room more quickly and more easily.

“Our message remains the same: anyone causing trouble on Metro should think again, as they are likely to get caught and face prosecution through the courts, a fine, and even a ban from using the system.”

Colin Newbury, Operations Director for Stagecoach Bus North East, said: “At Stagecoach North East we are proud to continue our commitment to the partnership and further support the objectives of Project Shield, helping to strengthen the fight against anti-social behaviour on the transport network.

We have previously supported the partnership by employing a dedicated transport safety officer to provide reassurance to the traveling public, along with deploying the Trojan Bus with plain clothed police officers to tackle offenders who are intent on acts of anti-social behaviour. Our combined efforts will allow the partnership to target anti-social behaviour in these hotspots in a proactive way. 

We understand that we all have a role to play in fighting anti-social behaviour in our local communities, and Stagecoach North East will continue to do all it can with Project Shield to support the partnership and Northumbria Police.”

Northumbria Police data shows a quarter of transport ASB incidents are taking place on Fridays which is a key day for Project Shield deployment. Transport related incidents and crimes are those that take place on a bus, metro, or train, at an interchange or bus station, or any damage made to bus shelters.

Project Shield has been developed with funding secured by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. Recent funding secured through Safer Streets has also seen investment in body worn cameras, extra CCTV, lighting reviews and more. In addition to increased patrols, activity has been supported by detached youth work across the transport network.

The transport element of Project Shield has focused on areas including Haymarket, Eldon Square, Meadow Well Metro, South Shields Interchange, Park Lane Interchange and Four Lane Ends.

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VICTIMS too scared to leave the house to attend counselling sessions and helplines forced to close as staff have been too fearful to head into the office – these are just some of the concerning repercussions of the riots says Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth.

Over recent weeks, some of the services funded by Susan’s office have been raising concerns about how victim access to help has been negatively impacted by the scenes of violence, disorder and racism they have either experienced, witnessed or seen on the news.

Attacks in cities and towns across the North East, as well as up and down the country, have caused widespread distress and fear felt particularly by people of diverse faiths, immigrants, and other minority groups.

Highlighting the crucial role victim services play during times like this, she has said services are committed to finding ways to support people, remotely if necessary, and she doesn’t want anyone to shy away from accessing help. She also reassured people Northumbria Police has every deployable officer out on the streets to improve feelings of safety.

This week the Police and Crime Commissioner spent time visiting organisations including The Angelou Centre and Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland and Connected  Voice to see how they are coping in the aftermath of the recent disorder and see how they can be supported.

Susan said: “It upsets me that people are saying they have been too afraid to leave their homes – be it for work or to access help. They’ve done this – the so-called protesters preaching nothing but hatred, abuse and violence. Those who have engaged in the violence have helped no one despite their empty claims of ‘doing it for our women and children. In fact as usual, women and children are disproportionately affected by this civil unrest, despite the demonstrators claiming to be doing it to protect women and children.

“Their actions have had a lasting impact on so many – young people who haven’t lived through things so bad, and older people who are reliving past traumas.

“Nobody in our region should be harmed, threatened, abused, or made to feel unwelcome based on their race, religion, nationality or any other protected characteristic, but it feels like for every step forward society has taken to combat hate, we have now taken two back.

Susan offered victims support and reassurance saying: “Whether you’re a victim of hate, are being supported out of an abusive relationship, or have been subjected to an assault – I don’t want anyone who needs help to stop accessing it. I’ve spoken to lots of organisations and charities this week and they are all committed to doing everything they can to accommodate your needs in person or remotely.

“Protecting service users and staff has to come first but it’s equally important that people keep accessing the support they need as well. My thanks go to everyone helping others through this unsettling time – I really recognise the vital role victim services and community organisations play in people’s wellbeing.

She added: “I am working with partners across the region to kick off a recovery process – a process to help the region recover and rebuild. I want to make sure victim support is right at the heart of our plans. I want us to put these days of disorder behind us, support people in the now, and plan ahead to bring about the change needed to prevent such harmful behaviours attacking our communities again.”

Through the Office’s commissioned hate crime support service, Connected Voice, enhanced support has been made available to support those affected.

Sue Pearce, CEO from Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland, said: “We had to close our specialist sexual violence helpline and face to face appointments for a day.  Staff choose to work from home, who didn’t feel safe. We were able to offer women and girls sessions by telephone or online, but this doesn’t always suit everyone. It has been reassuring to have the PCC visit our centre this week.”

Faty Kane, Executive Director of Angelou Centre, said: “Because The Angelou Centre is run ‘by and for’ Black and racially minoritised women, the constant fear of violence has been overwhelming for both our staff and users. The riots have also been deeply triggering for the women and children we serve, as well as for some of our staff, many of whom are survivors of domestic abuse.

We are now focused on helping the women we serve in every way we can, diverting some of our limited resources to provide additional support for individual and collective healing, including counselling and therapy sessions. We know that the Police and Crime Commissioner is with us in opposing the racist violence that we have seen, and we are committed to working together with local authorities to better protect our communities.”

Victim support is available for those directly affected by violence or hatred. The Northumbria Victim and Witness Service can put you in touch with specialist organisations that can provide you with emotional support, practical advice and guidance.

A full list of services commissioned by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner can be found here.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth:

“Our region has spoken.

From the greatly encouraging scenes in Newcastle last night as people took to the streets to reject all hatred to how Sunderland defiantly came together in the aftermath of Friday’s violence – it all serves as a true reminder of the friendly, supportive and compassionate values of our area.

For every handful of people violently spreading hate – we have hundreds loudly rejecting it. That is community spirit and that is what we are about.

From the start, Northumbria Police has vowed to deliver a robust policing response and catch those responsible and they are doing just that. In recent days the scores of arrests and convictions have sent a firm message that these behaviours will not be tolerated, you will be caught, and the law will come down hard on you.

I am grateful to our officers and staff – for the overtime, the cancelled rest days and the bravery shown. This dedication to keeping our communities safe has been matched with unwavering support from our partners too.

I understand it’s been a time of worry and concern for so many – nobody should have to experience disorder like we have seen in recent days and so we have to be hopeful the message is getting through.

While we may not be out of the woods yet, the overwhelming rejection of racism, hatred and division is clear and hope last night is a powerful step towards putting scenes of unacceptable violence and harmful division behind us.

Work needs to be done to bring our country together and keep fighting racism. In Northumbria, our committed efforts towards safer streets and stronger communities will not stop.”

NORTHUMBRIA Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth has praised ‘considerable efforts’ to drive down anti-sociable behaviour (ASB) across the force area, as it’s revealed ASB has fallen by 14% following a programme of targeted activity.

Overall, across the whole of Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, there has been a 14% decrease in ASB-related reports, with notable decreases of 22% in Sunderland, and 17% in Northumberland, when compared to the same 3-month period last year.

Chief Superintendent Barrie Joisce believes the force’s strategy which includes ASB hotspot patrols, multiagency hubs and dedicated policing operations has helped drive down anti-social behaviour and is hopeful this will continue as more work gets underway such as the launch of Project Shield last month.

Project Shield, funded through the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office, aims to drive down crime, tackle serious violence and provide reassurance to communities where concerns have been raised. During police and partner patrols, officers also collect vital intelligence to help them understand the causes of ASB, and how to improve the day-to-day safety of those that live and work in areas known for high levels of ASB and serious violence.

Antisocial behaviour covers a lot of different types of behaviour and can affect people in different ways. It is any behaviour that can cause nuisance and annoyance; is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress; creates significant and persistent problems in a neighbourhood and leaves communities intimidated.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said: “Safer streets and stronger communities, that’s my goal – and these figures show promise for residents across Northumberland, Tyne and Wear. Anti-social behaviour is a concern in many parts of our region; it is one of the most frequent issues people contact me about and is certainly a priority for Northumbria Police and I.”

“Since being elected as Police and Crime Commissioner I have been impressed with the drive and commitment of both Northumbria Police and partners in local areas – all determined to address concerns and take ASB as seriously as it should be. There’s a long way to go but thanks to this programme of targeted activity, the numbers are very encouraging – things are heading in the right direction. A 14% reduction really is a great platform to work from. I’m pleased for our communities who are noticing less ASB in their area and I want recent successes to be built upon so this is felt by everyone. I’ll keep assessing the impact of this work over a longer period and in the meantime, people can expect more hi-visibility patrols, days of action, as well as targeted operations and intervention work throughout the summer.”

Chief Superintendent Barrie Joisce, Northumbria Police’s anti-social behaviour lead, said: “These figures are very welcome and testament to the hard work of our officers, who are absolutely committed to reducing anti-social behaviour across all of our communities.

“We have a number of different initiatives in place to tackle such issues and they have only been strengthened by the launch of Project Shield, which takes a targeted approach through increased visibility and community engagement.

“With the support of our partner organisations, I’d like to reassure the public that our work will not stop here, nor our determination relent.

“We will continue to educate young people on the seriousness of such behaviour, while also building up our intelligence picture on those intent on committing crime in our towns, cities and rural areas and dealing with those responsible accordingly.

“I’d also like to thank residents who continue to assist us by providing information and would encourage anyone with concerns about ASB in their area – no matter how small they feel they may be – to contact us so that we can act upon them.

“Together, we can continue to keep our region one of the safest places in the country to live, work and visit.”

Examples of the work believed to be helping drive down ASB across the force area:

• Operation Capio – A dedicated force-wide operation to tackle motorbike related ASB.
• Drone investment – New technology to proactively tackle and track motorbike ASB and other criminal activity.
• Safer Transport Northumbria – A partnership initiative with local councils and transport providers to make the transport network feel safe.
• Trojan Bus – decoy bus with plan clothes police officers deployed to hotspot areas.
• New ASB Case Review – A process to ensure victims receive necessary support
• Project Shield- High visibility patrols in hotspot locations.
• multi-agency collocated hubs – SARA/SAIL/HALO/City Safe – including use of focussed deterrence workers to divert young people away from ASB.
• New NPT Model – Added 134 Police Officers into the Neighbour Hood Policing Teams model to increase capacity to problem solve ASB and increase visibility.

You can get in touch with Northumbria Police to report ASB by sending a private message on social media, visiting the live chat on their website or by completing a crime update form. If you’re unable to contact us this way, you can call 101. In an emergency always call 999.

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POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER SUSAN DUNGWORTH APPOINTS DEPUTY

NORTHUMBRIA Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth has appointed Cllr Clare Penny-Evans to the role of Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner.

As Deputy, Clare will support Susan as she consults with the public to prepare a new Police and Crime Plan. She will also assist with responsibilities around scrutinising the police, providing community reassurance and working with partners to prevent crime.

Clare has an impressive track record of public service and has been an elected member of Newcastle City Council since 2017. She has held several senior positions, including Cabinet Member for Communities, which included Chairing Safe Newcastle Community Safety Partnership. She was also a driving force ensuring Newcastle received White Ribbon Accreditation which ensures organisations are committed to ending Violence Against Women and Girls.

With her, she brings skills of holding officials to account, advocating for those in need of support and negotiating with Government departments to secure funding and initiatives to benefit the local area.

As a local councillor she has represented Heaton in Newcastle since 2017, and currently works for a charity that works to make sure that disabled  people and their families can be in control of their own lives – strong, confident and included in the communities of their choice.

Her proposed appointment was put forward at a meeting of the Northumbria Police and Crime Panel at the Civic Centre in Gateshead today (Tuesday 23^rd July).

Members of the panel had the opportunity to question Ms Penny-Evans and were asked to review the proposed appointment. Following this, they recommended the appointment of Cllr Penny-Evans with a majority support.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth said: “I’ve known Clare for many years and she has always stood out to me for her genuine community focus and partnership working – she’s a perfect fit for the role.

“I believe she will have valuable input as I consult with residents and professionals on developing a new Police and Crime Plan and will provide key support to ensure we effectively deliver work to tackle the key priorities set by local people.

“Her wealth of experience in several senior positions including Cabinet Member for Communities and chairing the Safe Newcastle Community Safety Partnership lend perfectly to the role and I look forward to having Clare work alongside me to deliver Safer Streets and Stronger Communities for the people of Tyne and Wear and Northumberland.”

Cllr Angela Douglas, Chair of the Northumbria Police and Crime Panel, said: “Clare’s record of being a driving force for change, knowledge of the region and experience of system-wide partnership working made her the ideal candidate for the role of Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner.

“We look forward to working with Clare in her new role to ensure we deliver on key priorities for our communities.”

Cllr Clare Penny- Evans said: “It’s an honour to be selected as Deputy PCC and I feel really enthusiastic about the part I can play in supporting Susan to deliver her commitments around safer streets and stronger communities.  I’m no stranger as to how the Police and Crime Plan is developed as I have been involved from the other side through my Safe Newcastle and was consulted previously on VAWG initiatives, tackling ASB and lobbying for fair funding settlements. I believe together all this reinforces my commitment to delivering the priorities in the Police and Crime Plan. I’m ready to get stuck and with Susan’s leadership and a new Government at the top, I believe we can make a genuine difference.”

During the Panel, PCC Dungworth explained appointing a Deputy PCC is an official recommendation of the former Government to enhance resilience and capacity. PCCs cover a growing range of responsibilities and she believes the Deputy role can bring welcome expertise and provides further scope for scrutiny of the police force. She also added that the appointment of a Deputy is widespread practice among the majority of PCCs up and down the country.

The DPCC primary focus will be to support the PCC to drive the delivery of the Police and Crime Plan, which incorporates the Police Commissioner’s manifesto commitments, and her portfolio will be finalised once the priorities of the new Police and Crime Plan are in place.

The Police and Crime Panel is made up of independent members who support the PCC in her function of holding the police to account and also provide a role in scrutinising the PCC’s decisions.

Cllr Clare Penny-Evans will take up the role from September working on a part-time basis of three days a week.

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‘PROJECT SHIELD’ – A FORCE-WIDE PROJECT TO PROTECT COMMUNITIES HAS BEEN LAUNCHED TO TACKLE CRIME AND ASB IN HOTSPOT AREAS

BOOSTING community confidence and driving down crime like anti-social behaviour and serious violence– that is what a new joint project is setting out to achieve across the whole Northumbria Police force area.

Through funding secured by Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth’s office, Northumbria Police has been working closely with all six local authorities and the local transport network to devise Project Shield. The new project will deliver increased patrols by police and partners, as well as targeted activity in identified areas of concern.

These increased patrols will be used to engage with people and businesses, help grow trust and create opportunities for local people to report issues around anti-social behaviour, crime and serious violence. Officers will also be able to take swift action should any incidents arise.

The project also includes analysts and intelligence officers who are working to identify trends and inform deployments meaning bespoke action will be taken to meet the patterns and needs of each specific area.

With the summer holidays around the corner, activity is also being planned in response to seasonal increases in ASB and serious violence. Prevention work through Northumbria’s Violence Reduction Unit and other youth service providers is also part of the project plan.

People can expect to see a broad range of activity such as stop and search operations, weapon sweeps, community engagement events, as well as robust action to catch known offenders in hotspot areas.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said: “I want people to feel that their streets are safer, and their community is stronger, and I know the launch of this project is a significant step towards achieving that. This project is about us all coming together as one, looking closely at the intelligence and data and targeting areas of concern with a direct response – a real boost in activity. This will help local people feel reassured as well as helping to catch those responsible for causing misery and harm in our communities.

“It’s a truly joined up effort with our police, local authorities and transport providers. We are all determined to protect communities throughout the Northumbria Police area and I am grateful to everyone who is behind it, making it happen.”

Susan added: “I know a lot activity, covering engagement, prevention and enforcement has been mapped out for the months ahead – I welcome this and I know the residents I have spoken with will do too.”

Chief Superintendent Joanne Park-Simmons, Northumbria Police’s knife crime lead, said: “It’s great to see police and partners coming together to address key concerns across our Force area.
“Anti-social behaviour and violence can have serious and life-changing consequences, which can also significantly affect the wider community.

“This targeted approach – focused on increased visibility and community engagement – will build on efforts around crime prevention and ensure people feel safe where they live, work and visit.

“It will also help us form a clearer picture of the criminal networks potentially operating in these areas, so we can identify and target those responsible for causing harm within our communities.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing the results this joint operation delivers – and the positive impact it has in our region.”

Project Shield investment has been secured by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbia through the Hotspot Response fund and will run until March 2025.

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