Knives Impact Everyone – one mum’s message to school kids as the Knife Angel comes to Sunderland this summer

Tanya and Simon Brown will be sharing their heart-breaking story of losing their son, Connor, to knife crime as part of school visits to the Knife Angel when it comes to Sunderland this June.

Plans are underway for Connor’s parents – who set up The Connor Brown Trust – to reach as many Wearside students as possible with their powerful anti-knife crime workshops. They will be pushing the region’s Knives Impact Everyone Campaign to young audiences to steer them away from ever choosing to pick up a knife.

The sessions will involve Tanya talking about what happened, how it’s changed her life forever and where people can go for help and advice if they or someone they know is carrying a knife.

A programme of youth sport and music activities is also being devised to help engage with young people around making positive choices.

The Connor Brown Trust has been working closely with Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness and Sunderland City Council to bring the powerful sculpture to the city – which will be located at Keel Square in June 2024.

During its time in the city, it is hoped it will be visited by thousands and will encourage open conversations around the dangers of carrying bladed weapons, and the potential consequences for individuals, families, and entire communities.

It is not the first time the Knife Angel has visited the region. In February 2020, the emotive figure stood tall on Gateshead’s quayside at Performance Square, outside what is now called The Glasshouse.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness said: “Anyone who has already seen the knife angel knows how powerful it is. When we brought it to Gateshead a few years ago people were really taken aback by it – it sends shivers – it really makes you think – and that’s the idea.

“It’s there to make a statement. It represents lives lost and the need for change – knife violence has to stop.

“The Connor Brown Trust do such amazing work to turning their unimaginable experience into such good. I am so grateful to them for being such a driving force for getting the Angel to Sunderland and all the educational work they’re going to be delivering alongside this.”

Tanya Brown from The Connor Brown Trust, who has just been shortlisted for the Northern Power Women Awards’ Person with Purpose award, said:

“We as a family are really looking forward to the Knife Angel’s visit to Sunderland as it gives us a chance to reflect on our own grief and loss of Connor.

“We set about bringing this project to life in the very early stages of us setting up the Trust. This was after visiting the sculpture in Middlesbrough 2019 and then being invited by Samantha’s Legacy to the official launch of the Angel in Gateshead in 2020. It is such a poignant piece that now so many can resonate with. It does leave you feeling waves of emotions that have an impact on you and that is one of the key messages we want to get out to everyone, knife crime does impact on everyone.”

Councillor Graeme Miller, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “No parent should ever have to go through what Tanya and Simon went through when they lost Connor to knife crime.

“That they have been able to channel their grief into the force for good that is the Connor Brown Trust is nothing short of remarkable. I hope that their powerful story touches the lives of all those visiting the Knife Angel and attending the workshops in Sunderland this summer.

“If this makes even one young person think twice about carrying a knife or sparks a conversation among a group of young people about the devastating consequences of knife crime, then the Knife Angel’s visit will have been well worthwhile.”

On behalf of the British Ironwork Centre, Artist Alfie Bradley created the knife angel out of blades handed in during amnesties held by police forces across the country.

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INCIDENTS of anti-social behaviour (ASB) across the Northumbria Police force area’s transport networks have dropped by 28 per cent in the past six months.

As part of the Safer Transport Northumbria Project, set up by Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness, officers have been rolling out extra patrols and working closely with the local councils and transport networks to tackle disorder and drive down metro and bus related ASB.

Other pleasing data shared by Kim McGuinness at this week’s ASB Board meeting in Sunderland came from the ASB Hotspot Response project, which ran during the summer months across the region’s transport networks. Increased patrols helped towards a 40% decrease in ASB incidents – from 1,123 in 2022 down to 669 in 2023. Early indications suggest incident figures are continuing to fall.

Through this successful funding bid and previous rounds of Safer Street funding Kim McGuinness’ office has invested in body worn cameras, extra CCTV, lighting reviews and more. This latest phase of work has focused on extra police patrols, targeted days of action at hot spot areas and the introduction of an ASB project lead to oversee delivery of work in this area.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “Transport has been a big area of investment for me.  I really want people to move around our region feeling safe and that’s why we have invested significant resource into this work. Since the beginning of these latest ASB transport patrols, there has been a 28 per cent decrease in ASB incidents across the transport system when compared to the same period in 2022. What we are doing is working and these numbers prove it.

“ASB is not low level – it can really have an impact on people’s lives and ensuring people can move throughout the region safely and comfortably must be taken seriously. It’s not just about policing though, we are working hard with others to strike a balance with this. As well as the policing response and encouraging reporting, there is a lot of work happening to tackle underlying causes and divert kids away from crime and onto better opportunities – that is important too.”

Kim added: “High visibility policing is certainly making a big difference, and this is a perfect illustration of what we could achieve if Government would give us the funding, we need to grow the force back up to the numbers we had pre-2010. If only they’d listen.”

Ensuring people feel safe on and around our public transport networks is a shared vision across local partners.

Chief Superintendent Barrie Joisce, Northumbria Police’s Anti-Social Behaviour lead, said: “These are fantastic figures and testament to the joined-up working between ourselves and our partner organisations.

“We recognise the negative impact anti-social behaviour can have on our communities and we are fully committed to building on the excellent work already under way to help ensure our transport networks are safe for all.

“As well as carrying out proactive activity to identify people responsible for such offences, where appropriate we want to divert those involved away from such behaviour to prevent incidents in the future.

“The overwhelming majority of people using public transport do so responsibly and are considerate of others and we would ask that they continue to work with us by reporting instances so that we can take action.”

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TWELVE million pounds in funding needs to be found warns Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness as she hits out at Government for always ‘falling short’ when it comes to police funding.

Kim, who is currently asking for residents’ views on local police funding says a £12.1 million gap will need plugging to offset the financial pressures faced by Northumbria Police.

She said Northumbria Police has not received extra funds to cover the impact of rising bills and finances would have to be found through savings, previous reserves and through the police precept – the part residents pay through local taxes.

If the precept is not increased this would mean a cut of around £4.2m to the force budget, and an additional £8m will need to be found to plug the £12.1m gap. Without a precept increase the Force will be unable to progress with investment in frontline policing.

This year, Government has increased the amount police and crime commissioners can raise the council tax precept by £13 per year and the Commissioner says this move is because Government knows its own funding falls short and they are forcing commissioners to pass the bill onto the tax payer.

As well as offsetting the rising costs facing the force, the commissioner has outlined plans to potentially open some closed police stations, boost frontline police resources and enhancing the force-wide motorbike ASB unit if people support a slight increase to their police precept.

The precept options to fight and prevent crime in the region.

• 72p per month increase for a Band A property – could potentially allow the reopening of some police stations following a review of the police estate. It would help boost ongoing efforts to boost officer recruitment, hire more crime investigators to tackle online crime and create a force-wide unit set up to tackle motorbike anti-social behaviour, expanding on a current trial.
• 56p per month increase for a Band A property – could potentially allow the reopening of some stations but the force would still have to make financial savings and investment in specialist frontline policing would not be possible.
• Zero increase – Northumbria Police has not received extra funds to cover the impact of rising bills. If the precept is not increased this would mean a cut of around £4.2m to the force budget.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “The funds raised through the precept help us keep the wheels on as we keep fighting crime in the shadow of austerity. There are still stark financial pressures facing the force, totalling more than £7m, due to inflation and other rising costs in the years ahead. If police precept bills are frozen it would mean another £4m of cuts facing the force. It would certainly impact plans to invest further in frontline policing, keep more stations open longer and develop specialist crime units – these are things we want to deliver.

“Asking local council taxpayers to help fund our policing is a tough ask – household finances are tight enough for so many as it is. I firmly believe Central Government should provide the funds that would prevent putting them onto the public like this. The fact Government has raised the amount we can ask for speaks volumes – they know their funding settlement doesn’t cover what we need.

“We are being forced into this, but it is the only way we can afford to deliver the things residents want to see if we aren’t given sufficient Government funding – so be it – I am having to ask. In recent years, along with the Chief Constables, we have worked hard to rebuild the frontline improve response ties, invest in technology like drones in the skies and establish specialist units to tackle crime like motorbike disorder. This has all been possible with public backing before and I don’t want this progress to fight crime in our region to stop.

“Funding gained through the police precept will help us to maintain the just, safe, and inclusive police service we need. Without this support, we fill face severe pressure on the police budget.”

Every part of the country relies on funding gathered through Council Tax payments to support their local police force. Northumbria Police is one of the forces hardest hit by the effects of Government austerity and on-going financial cost pressures, while having one of the lowest precept rates in the country. The force has lost more than 1,100 officers and £148m from its budget in the years since 2010.

Over the Christmas period the force has trialled extending opening in rural areas and reopened one station. The Commissioner would like to authorise a wider review of all stations early in 2024 and reopen some of those that were closed under Government austerity.

Local residents within the Northumbria Police force area can have their say by answering two short questions here https://bit.ly/NbriaPol24. The survey will be open until Monday 22^nd January 2024.

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ONE arrest and 29 dispersal notices were handed out by undercover Northumbria Police officers riding the ‘Trojan’ bus, when it took to the roads in South Shields for 8 days of action before Christmas.

The bus is part of an operation to drive down antisocial behaviour on and around our public transport. It’s a joint initiative by Northumbria Police, Stagecoach, Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness and other transport network partners.

The bus travels to areas where commuters have reported concerns in relation to ASB which includes vandalism and youth disorder.  It is one response to tackling disorder as part of Operation Teviot.  Police officers travel on board ready to deploy and take robust action against those individuals who are causing trouble. This action may include making arrests or issuing dispersal notices.

Dispersal orders are imposed on an area and enable police to effectively deal with a person who has been involved or suspected to be involved in crime and disorder.  A notice is served which orders them to leave the area with no return within the specified time period.

Parents are warned children between the ages of 10 and 16 who are issued with dispersal notices will be taken home.

Those who refuse to comply with the order are committing a criminal offence and could find themselves arrested.

The orders are one of many tactics used by officers to help prevent crime and disorder in our neighbourhoods.

During the Trojan bus’ first deployment, an arrest and all the dispersal notices issued to youths were in and around North Marine Park and South Shields Interchange.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness, said: “The Trojan bus is a decoy bus and is being deployed across the North East to take tough action at anti-social behaviour hotspots. It’s part of my force-wide Safer Transport Northumbria strategy and sees transport officials come together to crackdown on ASB and improve people’s feelings of safety when using public transport throughout the region.

“This initiative shows we are taking on board people’s concerns around ASB and that our police are responding with new tactics and robust action. The plan is to get the bus out often as we can and break up bad behaviour and improve people’s feelings of safety. Officers can’t give too much away but the idea is it could pull up anywhere, anytime – packed with police passengers ready to take action.”

Kim continued: “Bus stops should never be smashed up or vandalised, people should never feel scared and intimidated waiting to get on board. And so, our officers will be catching the bus determined to catch those responsible and put an end to unwelcome trouble and disorder in our communities.”

Chief Superintendent Barrie Joisce, of Northumbria Police, said: “As a Force, we recognise the anti-social behaviour of a minority can have a significant and detrimental impact on the communities we serve.

“The Trojan bus is just one innovative way we are tackling pockets of disorder as it is happening, in a bid to swiftly identify those causing issues in hotspot areas.

“Police officers in plain clothes on buses and the wider transport network gives us an opportunity to identify those behaving in an anti-social or criminal way.

“We’re seeing some great results which I hope will go a long way to help passengers and residents alike to feel safe.

“Together with our partners, we will continue to use every tactic at our disposal to prevent and disrupt crime.

“We would encourage the public to continue to work with us, by reporting any concerns to police using the ‘Report’ page of our website or by calling 101.

“In an emergency, or where a crime is taking place, always dial 999.”

The ‘Trojan bus’ is a multi-agency project with OPCC, Nexus, Metro Unit, Stagecoach, Council CCTV Room, Council business responders and the Council Youth Services. These results are from 8 days of action during October and November 2023. More decoy bus services will be rolled out across the region in the coming months as part of plans to help fight ASB.

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FOOTBALL fans from across Tyne and Wear put football rivalry and scorelines to one side, to show their support for the region’s Knives Impact Everyone campaign.

Committed to fighting back against knife crime, local charities Samantha’s Legacy and The Connor Brown Trust were invited to the pitch ahead of kick off alongside Northumbria’s Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness and the Violence Reduction Unit, to get their powerful anti-knife message in front of thousands of derby day fans.

As a result of this, the campaign received huge waves of support across social media with fan groups like Newcastle United Supporters Club and the Red and White Army who have proudly given their backing to the knife crime prevention cause.

In what was a moving moment in front of the crowds, the families held up campaign graphics showing emotionally charged phone screen shots of undelivered messages to illustrate heart-breaking reality of knife crime. The hard-hitting campaign also lit up digital advertising stands at the Stadium of Light during Saturday’s FA cup match, with the words “Knife crime cuts deep. Whether you’re carrying a knife or you’re a victim of knife crime, the consequences impact everyone; family, friends, emergency services and communities.”

Police Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “It doesn’t get much bigger for the North East than a Tyne and Wear derby so to give the campaign this platform has felt a really momentous occasion. We’re so proud of football in our region and I’m proud of how the clubs are coming together to highlight how knife crime can impact so many lives. Getting in front of so many to highlight our campaign is a result in itself. I can’t thank the families of Samantha Madgin and Connor Brown enough. As well as the clubs for helping us bring plans to life, and of course the fans for joining us to champion this cause. Historic rivalry aside, hearing the crowds cheer backing this important work is what it’s all about.”

Greg Tomlinson, Chair, Newcastle United Supporters Trust: “There are some things that are more important than black and white or red and white believe it or not and this is one of them. The consequences of knife crime impact everyone, leaving mates without their friends and devastating families and communities. As football supporters, and as a community, we stand together to support this vital work against knife crime.”

Tanya Brown, the mother of knife victim Connor Brown – a football lover and proud Sunderland fan said: “We would like to add how much we appreciate being asked to be involved in this fantastic initiative. This is very close to our hearts as a family, and Connor was very passionate about football, as are many others. This opportunity gives us the ability to highlight the importance of the Knives Impact Everyone campaign in such a big way. We can reach so many more people raising the awareness of Knife Crime and the impact it has on everyone.”

The Knives Impact Everyone campaign was launched in 2023, by Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness and the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit, to highlight the devastating consequences carrying a knife can have, as well as sign-posting people to support and advice. As part of this work, Northumbria’s VRU funds projects at both Newcastle United Foundation and the Foundation Light, with the YOLO initiative aimed at steering young people away from knife crime, whilst also creating a range of opportunities and support to help young people make positive life choices away from crime.

Information about the campaign can be found here: Knives Impact Everyone – Northumbria PCC (northumbria-pcc.gov.uk)

CLOSED police stations could be reopened and a force-wide motorbike ASB unit created as Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness calls for people’s views on proposed changes to the part of council tax that pays for local policing.

Two thirds of police stations in England have closed since 2010, with many being in the Northumbria Police force area. With public backing, Kim McGuinness is keen to explore the possibility of reopening any stations where footfall data suggests a local need.

To offset the rising costs facing the force and deliver proposed plans such as boosting frontline police resources and enhancing the force-wide motorbike ASB unit, Kim is asking local people if they would support a slight increase to their police precept.

She said residents repeatedly share concerns about the disappearance of police counters in their local communities seen – a result of over a decade of Government cuts – and has set out funding options that could help bring them back. Funds are also needed to help plug the police funding gap to ensure Northumbria Police continues to have the resources it needs to fight and prevent crime in the region.

• 72p per month increase for a Band A property – could potentially allow the reopening of some police stations following a review of the police estate. It would help boost ongoing efforts to boost officer recruitment, hire more crime investigators to tackle online crime and create a force-wide unit set up to tackle motorbike anti-social behaviour, expanding on a current trial.
• 56p per month increase for a Band A property – could potentially allow the reopening of some stations but the force would still have to make financial savings and investment in specialist frontline policing would not be possible.
• Zero increase – Northumbria Police has not received extra funds to cover the impact of rising bills. If the precept is not increased this would mean a cut of around £4.2m to the force budget, the equivalent of 113 job losses.

Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness said: “A greater police presence is the number one ask of local people – that’s why I put 134 new officers into neighbourhood policing and it’s why I agreed a review of all our police stations to see what we can reopen. If the reviews we are conducting indicate a strong enough case for the reopening of certain stations and it’s what people want, let’s look at reversing the Government imposed closure trend and explore our options for opening station doors once again.”

Kim warned though of the financial challenges facing austerity-hit policing. She said: “The funds raised through the precept help us keep the wheels on as we keep fighting crime in the shadow of austerity. There are still stark financial pressures facing the force, totalling more than £7m, due to inflation and other rising costs in the years ahead. If police precept bills are frozen it would mean another £4m of cuts facing the force. It would certainly impact plans to invest further in frontline policing, keep more stations open longer and develop specialist crime units.

“Asking local council taxpayers to help fund our policing is a tough ask – household finances are tight enough for so many as it is. I firmly believe Central Government should provide the funds that would prevent putting them onto the public like this.

“But it’s the only way we can afford to deliver the things residents want to see if we aren’t given sufficient Government funding – so be it – I am having to ask. In recent years, along with the Chief Constables, we have worked hard to rebuild the frontline improve response ties, invest in technology like drones in the skies and establish specialist units to tackle crime like motorbike disorder. This has all been possible with public backing before and I don’t want this progress to fight crime in our region to stop.”

Every part of the country relies on funding gathered through Council Tax payments to support their local police force. Northumbria Police is one of the forces hardest hit by the effects of Government austerity and on-going financial cost pressures, while having one of the lowest precept rates in the country. The force has lost more than 1,100 officers and £148m from its budget in the years since 2010.

Over the Christmas period the force has trialled extending opening in rural areas and reopened one station. The Commissioner would like to authorise a wider review of all stations early in 2024 and reopen some of those that were closed under Government austerity.

Local residents within the Northumbria Police force area can have their say by answering two short questions here https://bit.ly/NbriaPol24. The survey will be open until Monday 22^nd January 2024.

Funding gained through the police precept will help us to maintain the just, safe, and inclusive police service we need. Without this support, we fill face severe pressure on the police budget.

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