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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Newcastle United Foundation and Sunderland AFC’s Foundation of Light have joined forces to promote the Knives Impact Everyone campaign launched by Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness and local families who have lost loved ones to violence.

Newcastle United and Sunderland AFC, alongside their registered charities will be championing the impactful campaign across their social media channels, whilst hard-hitting messages will also feature on digital advertising stands at the Stadium of Light during the upcoming FA Cup derby match.

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 Police fund 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.

Through a range of emotionally charged graphics, undelivered messages show the heart-breaking reality of knife crime along with the words: “Knife crime cuts deep. Whether you’re carrying or you’re a victim of knife crime, the consequences impact everyone; family, friends, emergency services and communities.”

Backing the campaign, former Sunderland AFC Striker Kevin Phillips said: “Whatever your background, whatever your club, we have to unite on this so young people walk away from violence. We need to get in front of kids about the dangers and consequences of knives and we are supporting this campaign to do just that.”

Newcastle United Foundation Trustee and former player, Shola Ameobi, said: “Football is so powerful in this part of the world, and it means so much to people of all ages. Football can influence behaviour in young people and inspire them in so many different ways. I’ve seen first-hand for years the work that Newcastle United Foundation does in the community to make positive changes to the lives of those who need guidance and support. The power of the Newcastle United badge is really special to making a positive difference. The YOLO project alongside the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit is made a significant impact to so many young people in the region and it is great to see the work continuing.”

Kim McGuinness said: “Our football clubs are at the heart of so much that is good about the North East, and it is great to see them setting aside rivalry off the pitch to come together and stand up to knife crime. We’re all proud of region, and this is a strong message that we, the clubs, the fans, the families, are determined to keep it a great place to live.”

The campaign was developed alongside school children from across the region, with the aim of making young people think before picking up a knife, by understanding the impact and consequences of their actions.

Upon launching the campaign, it received widespread support and was backed by Northumbria Police as well as Samantha’s Legacy and The Connor Brown Trust, who have sadly experienced the devastating consequences of knife crime first hand.

Through the popular 20-week YOLO programme delivered in both Foundations, young people are provided with a mentor and the chance to take part in one-to-one sessions, and engage in activities such as sport, music, art, social action projects, as well as tailored interventions to support them in making positive behaviour change and address their needs.

UPROAR as Government quietly slashes Northumbria’s Safer Streets funding days before announcing its own plans to tackle spiking.

Commissioner Kim McGuinness has hit out at the hypocrisy of Government for announcing its own plans to tackle spiking – just after taking away £180K of North East funds to tackle that very problem.

In what the Commissioner calls an ‘under the radar reversal’ Home Office officials have announced they are pulling the plug on a third of the funding promised for the Government’s Safer Streets project.

In the Northumbria Police force area, this funds operations dedicated to catching anyone who commits crimes like spiking or preying on vulnerable people in the night-time economy.

The plans, which focus on increased patrols, wardens and CCTV monitoring will now have to be reviewed with considerable cutbacks made.

The Commissioner says it’s too early to say how stripped back activity might look but conversations had started with partners to find the most cost-effective ways to ensure key work is able to continue.

Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness said: “Government’s taking £180K from us here in the North East to tackle issues like spiking while shouting about their own crackdown intentions. My office is getting emails about significant funding cuts to work we already have in progress.

“The Home Secretary has said tackling Violence Against Women and Girls is a personal priority and how Government will do what is necessary to keep people safe. Pulling £180,000 of funding to tackle this is certainly not necessary nor is it making something a priority – it’s anything but. They’re trying to pull wool over people’s eyes with this.

“By Government’s own admission, ‘Safer Streets is growing confidence in policing’ – yet it’s slashing our funding to deliver the very work that is making an impact.”

She added: “We are having to have the difficult conversations with partners, with councils about how we can work around the financial damage here. There is a huge backlash locally as this is, yet another Government imposed barrier to us getting on with the job and keeping people safe.

“You can’t quietly slash funding one minute, leaving local projects in the balance, and yet make big claims and promises in the same breath. It’s a betrayal on public safety and a betrayal on those already working to improve women’s safety in public places in the North East.”

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MEDIA RELEASE

POLICE will be out in force this party season to help make sure the North East remains a safe place for a night out.

The investment in additional police activity comes as a result of Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness’s office securing £422,000 in funding to build on her Women’s Safety in Public Places project.

A mix of uniform and plain-clothed officers will be deployed as part of a brand new operation – Operation Salus – set up to keep party-goers safe.

It will begin in the coming weeks, as the night-time economy gears up for the festive celebrations.

Officers will be using new ways to gather intelligence and keep everyone safe as well as actively seeking to catch anyone they suspect could have the intention of offending or posing a risk to people’s safety.

There will also be a focus on capturing CCTV evidence to ensure anyone who commits crimes like spiking drinks or operating fake taxis is put before the courts.

The new operation comes off the back of Northumbria Police’s highly successful Operation Cloak. This operation sees officers on the lookout for signs of vulnerability so they can step in and help. Last year efforts helped lead to a 30 per cent reduction in rapes and serious assaults in Newcastle City Centre.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “I’ve always said the North East boasts not only some of the best nights out but some of the safest too and this is because our Police and partners are working hard with operations like this – dedicated to preventing crime.

“As well as officers immersing themselves in the night-time economies there will be officers reviewing CCTV – examining behaviours, flagging concerns, and capturing evidence that can be used before the courts.

“I want people to be heading out on their Christmas parties knowing officers are taking these types of crimes very seriously and we are doing everything we can to stop them to keep our region and its people safe.”

Chief Supt Barrie Joisce, from Northumbria Police, said: “The North East is well known for having a welcoming and safe nightlife and is one of the many reasons people are attracted to the region.

“We proactively police the night-time economy and have both uniformed and plain-clothed officers on patrol to protect those who may be vulnerable and target anyone looking to commit offences.

“We also work with a range of partners, including local authorities, businesses, licensees, door supervisors, hotel staff, street pastors and taxi drivers, so we can all come together to help keep people safe.

“When offences do occur we take them extremely seriously and are committed to supporting victims and bringing offenders to justice.

“We are proud of the role we play within the night-time economy and our dedicated approach has been rolled-out elsewhere in the country.

“We are committed to building on this activity to help ensure people can continue to have a safe and enjoyable time while on a night out.”

Police would always encourage anyone who has concerns to speak to an officer or contact them as soon as possible. In an emergency always call 999.

Other measures will help keep women and girls safe as part of the Women’s Safety in Public Places project funded through Safer Streets Round 5. They include:

• WSiPP Wardens Local Authority led intervention where ‘Active Bystander’ trained staff will undertake foot patrols in public places where people have told us the Commissioner’s office, they feel unsafe.
• ‘Lead the Change’ Active Bystander Training Train the Trainer programme for local Change Leaders to train up local community members to understand and address sexism, sexual harassment and threatening behaviours that makes women and girls feel unsafe.
• Engaging men and boys in the development of the #ItAllAddsUp campaign work to highlight harmful attitudes and behaviour that breed VAWG.

A ground-breaking project launched last December to make Sunderland city centre safer, more attractive and more vibrant has seen an 82 per cent drop in rowdy and inconsiderate behaviour in its first year.

WINNERS ANNOUNCED as the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit awards almost £16,000 to fund projects developed by young people, in a bid to tackle violent crime and improve feelings of safety in local communities.

The Local Youth Fund provides young people with a platform to voice their ideas for projects and activities that have a benefit to them and the areas they live in.

More than 4,600 young people have already benefited from nearly £30,000 handed out in previous rounds of the fund.

This latest round will see a further 600 young people get involved in projects they have developed themselves, and thanks to this fund, their ideas will now become a reality.

With the results now in, the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit is delighted to reveal the projects receiving a share of the funding:

• Acumen Community Group will offer after-school drop in sessions, creating a safe space for young people to socialise. During this time, they plan to work on projects that increase their peers’ awareness of the dangers associated with knife crime.
• Amble Youth Project will work on improving their youth café, where young people can learn how to cook healthy meals. The group are keen for this space to provide an alternative to congregating on the streets, where they spend time with friends, and learn how to keep themselves safe.
• Escape Intervention Group have put together an activities programme for their peers, including boxing classes, paddle boarding and go-karting. With access to these new opportunities, they feel it will improve their confidence and wellbeing.
• The Chess Project will hold sessions where young people can share their views and suggestions on ASB and violent crime with the various services responsible for keeping them safe, ensuring their voice is part of all decisions made in their community.
• Throckley Youth Group will arrange a football match that brings together young people and representatives from key services, with the aim of building relationships, breaking down barriers and providing an opportunity to start having conversations on topics such as knife crime and personal safety.
• Winlaton Youth Group will create a knife crime awareness campaign aimed at young people, featuring artwork to get their attention, and encouraging them to start talking about the dangers, as well as the importance of making good choices.

Thanks to the Violence Reduction Unit working closely with NE Youth, each application to the fund has been thoroughly reviewed by a panel of 12 young people, creating an opportunity to share their experiences and unique perspectives, whilst also gaining key skills for their future.

The panel said that there had been lots of good ideas put forward, making selecting the six winning applications a difficult task, and as projects now get underway, they are looking forward to providing mentoring support to their peers.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness said: “The youth fund is one of many initiatives from the Violence Reduction Unit, that puts young people at the heart of its decision-making and gives them the chance to tell us how they think violent crime can be prevented – and they have done just that.”

“Young people often tell me that they want to be part of the solution when it comes to tackling violent crime, and this fund gives them a platform to voice their views and ideas – and I can’t think of a better way than just simply asking them what they want.”

“In previous rounds of this fund, young people have gained confidence, improved physical and mental health and got the chance to learn new skills. That’s why it makes it all the more important to keep giving them access to positive opportunities, where we can support them in making good choices.”

“I would like to thank everyone who has applied to this latest round; there have been some wonderful ideas.”

On behalf of the North East Youth Alliance, NE Youth Chief Executive Jon Niblo said: We were incredibly proud of the young people who participated in the panel discussions. They took their role and responsibilities very seriously to ensure that the funding was allocated appropriately. Well done to all successful applicants and good luck with your projects.

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

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