WITH more women speaking out about feeling exposed to physical aggression and sexual harassment when taking a trip on the region’s public transport, Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness is calling on men to ‘get on board’ and flag concerns by downloading the Safer Transport Northumbria App.

Since its launch last month, the app has been downloaded by hundreds of transport users such as commuters and party-goers across the Northumbria Police force area, but the Commissioner wants to stress that the app really shouldn’t just be seen as a tool for women to look out for other women, far from it. She says this really is the time for men to ‘do their bit’ and make it the end of the road for unwanted sexual behaviour.

Whether commuting to work via the Metro or catching the bus to the shops, the app means you can quickly report incidents, get support and crucially, help support others who have or are experiencing any form of harassment.

It’s available for free through Google Play and the App Store and when on your phone, it takes you through a simple series of steps that allow you to raise safety concern and report crimes, anonymously, if preferred.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “The app is there for everyone – this isn’t about women looking out for women. Men want to be and can be part of this solution and this app can help with this.

“Noone should ignore unacceptable behaviours.  We need to see a fundamental culture change and men need to be at the heart of this – downloading this app and reporting anything that’s not right – it’s an easy way to do your bit.

Kim went on to explain: “I’ve spoken to youth workers who talk about a worrying willingness among young women to accept bad behaviours as the norm. And then I have women telling me through my safer transport surveys that they simply won’t travel at night. This is just not right.

“Doing nothing creates a society that validates abusive behaviours and that’s not what we want for young girls growing up in the North East. Things need to change. We need to undo the attitudes that are simply not ok.

“It all needs to stop. The creepy comments at the bar, the boys banter in the changing rooms – we have to call this out. Flagging your concerns via the app when you see a girl being touched up on a train or hear awful names being heckled her way – this is a start, we need men to be driving this change.”

NORTHUMBRIA Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, wants to make Northumberland, Tyne and Wear the safest region for using public transport and is calling on passengers to help steer plans with the launch of a new survey.

A Safer Transport Northumbria reporting app, street pastors on the travel network and public awareness campaigns around unwanted behaviours and harassment are just some of the measures already in place as part of the Commissioner’s long-term strategy for safer transport. Kim is now wanting to hear from local people to help drive future change and improvements for the region.

Working closely with transport operators, councils and Northumbria Police, the Commissioner is wanting to spell out her commitment to keeping transport users safe by deterring and preventing crime and educating people on unacceptable behaviours and how to report them.

Earlier this year Kim launched a Safer Streets survey where she invited local people to tell her about where and when they felt uncomfortable or even unsafe. Feedback from this survey highlighted transport as an area of concern, particularly for women, and Kim wants to find out more so important improvements can be made.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “Public transport is the lifeblood of our region. It brings us all together with friends and family and gives us access to jobs, shops and all sorts of opportunities. People want transport that’s affordable, reliable and crucially, safe. The need to feel safe, and be safe.

“With a responsibility for policing I recognise that the safety and wellbeing of all those who use our buses and metros– we are talking thousands of passengers every single day. And so what I really want from people is the detail – which stations and stops need some extra attention and where routes are becoming a concern. All feedback will go towards updating my Police and Crime Plan, the key document that turns your priorities into actions for Northumbria Police across the region.

“Given the size of our region, incidents of harassment and antisocial behaviour remain relatively low, but they do happen and so we must continue to build on the work already being done to keep the networks safe. Enforcement, education, engagement – it all matters and I appreciate all the insight we can get from doing this survey.”

Residents can complete the survey here:  https://vru.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/pcptransportcon

More police call handlers, more investigators and more technology are being mapped out by Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner as she seeks investment support through her precept consultation for 2022/23.

Since 2010, Northumbria Police has taken the biggest financial hit of all the forces in England and Wales – losing more than 1,100 officers and £140m in budget cuts – as a result of what the PCC calls ‘grossly unfair and regionally biased’ budget cuts.

 Now PCC Kim McGuinness, has launched a survey asking those who live in the force area – how much they would be prepared to pay to help fight and prevent crime across local communities.

The precept is the police part of the local council tax bill and this year the Home Secretary said all police forces can raise the precept by a maximum of £10 for an average (Band D) household, in Northumbria equating to an increase of 83p a month.

Many homes in Northumberland, Tyne and Wear are in council tax Band A and for them the maximum increase would be 56p a month.

She is now seeking views on the various options at her disposal to help support local policing.

• A zero increase, would be the equivalent of a cut to the police budget, once the rising costs across the force area are taken in to account.
• The second option of a £5 a year increase would allow the force to meet some rising costs, but won’t allow for the extra investment needed to meet increased demands . This £5 would be the equivalent of a 42p increase for a Band D property (28p a month for a Band A property)
• The third option, the 83p a month increase, would allow for crucial investment and help deliver on the priorities of the Fighting Crime, Preventing Crime Plan, due to be refreshed this Spring.

Potential investment would include:

• Another 30 call handlers for 101 and 999 services
• Extra resources specifically for the fight against cyber-crime and serious organised crime.
• More investigators to support investigations and free up police officers to help meet rising demands
• Workforce investment – we need to support officers to keep them on the beat fighting crime

Launching the consultation Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, outlined the challenges faced by Northumbria Police in the year ahead. She said: “I’m more than aware that household budgets are tight, really I am, but I am also aware of the position our cash-strapped police forces find themselves in following year after year of cuts.

“Crime evolves, demand grows but Government funding fails to match what is a very clear need time and time again. Getting the funding right is so important when it comes to maintaining an efficient and effective police service. We have to carefully consider our options – this is crucial – and I want to make sure people have their say.”

“Eyes, ears, boots on the ground. People want more of this and it comes at a cost. Both Northumbria Police Chief Constable Winton Keenen and I know the importance of neighbourhood policing and making sure our frontline needs are properly resourced is priority but times are challenging and this can mean difficult decisions.

“Ultimately, people want reassurance that they will be kept safe. I really don’t want to be putting a price tag on safety and I don’t believe we should be forced into a position where we have to rely on generating income through a police precept, but I think most people know that like it or not, when it comes to policing and keeping safe, we can’t let things slip. This survey is about putting the options to local people and inviting them to have their say.”

TO COMPLETE THE SURVEY https://bit.ly/NbriaPcpt2022

NORTHUMBRIA POLICE receives around 70 reports of domestic abuse every single day, says Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness, as she shares fears that this number will rise during the festive season.

Reacting to the latest figures published by the Force, the Commissioner has said that although the numbers sadden her, they come as no surprise.

The Christmas period, like a lockdown, often brings with it a rise in the number of incidents of domestic abuse. Although factors such as people spending more time with abusive partners, higher alcohol consumption and worries over money can make things escalate, they are in no way the cause, the commissioner also explained.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “It’s that time of year again. Christmas is supposed to be fun, but it can be a frightening and isolating time for those experiencing domestic abuse. Abuse that is there all year can really escalate and so it’s important we highlight these numbers so people are aware of the scale of the problem.

“Although I wish there was no suffering at all – the more reports made – the more people can be helped. Yes, 70 reports a day may shock some people but it’s likely there are many more suffering that we just don’t know about. Just because it’s happening behind closed doors doesn’t mean it’s not happening and children are in these homes, experiencing it too.”

Kim McGuinness’ comments coincide with the recent launch of a new survey from the Domestic Abuse Commissioner, Nicole Jacobs, who is seeking to reach as many survivors as possible to understand their experiences of trying to get help and support from their local domestic abuse services.

Supporting children and young people affected by domestic abuse has been a priority for the Commissioner through her Supporting Victims Fund. The CADA fund has also been used to provide support such as play therapy and counselling for youngsters across Northumberland Tyne and Wear. It is hoped 900 local children will have been directly supported through the CADA fund this year thanks to local organisations like Acorns in North Shields, Impact Family Services in South Shields and Wearside Women in Need.

Kim continued: “Ensuring young people are recognised as victims in their own right is so import. Far too many kids face Christmas cooped up at home with fear and not fun. It’s a horrific time for victims so please look out for others, be vigilant and report any concerns. We all need to realise that victims may be too scared and traumatised to seek help. We all have a responsibility with this.”

Wearside Women in Need’s Becky Rogerson, said: “The statistics are shocking, but we hope this is a positive sign that domestic abuse is less likely to stay hidden behind closed doors as our communities become more aware of the signs of this crime.

Our specialist domestic abuse services will be open through the Christmas break and there are local and national helplines offering confidential advice and support for anyone worried for their own, or someone else’s safety.”

Detective Chief Inspector Les Goodliff, of Northumbria Police’s Safeguarding Department, said: “Safeguarding vulnerable victims of domestic abuse and ensuring offenders are brought to justice is one of the Force’s top priorities.

“We know that domestic abuse can take many forms – it isn’t just physical. We also recognise it can take great courage for victims to take that first step in reporting incidents to police.

“We have worked very hard to raise awareness of domestic abuse, in all its forms, and continue to work with authorities, charities and third party agencies across the North East to ensure the vulnerable in our communities continue to be safeguarded.

“We are encouraged to see more people having the confidence to come forward and report incidents of domestic abuse. If you are a victim of domestic abuse, please reach out – you will be supported and we will fully investigate any report made to us.

“We would also ask family, friends and neighbours to report any concerns they may have so we can take positive action.”

If you need any advice or support, please don’t hesitate to contact Northumbria Police via their discrete ‘Tell Us Something’ page on their website, which has an instant ‘hide page’ function.

You can also reach out to one of the fantastic partner agencies who can help offer advice and support. Contact the freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247 or again search the Northumbria Police website.

Always call 999 in an emergency.

ENDS

WINTER, especially the Christmas holidays, is always tough for families in poverty, and Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness, is raising fresh concerns that it’s going to be extra tough one, especially for kids in the North East.

Earlier this year, it was reported that the North East region has the second highest rate of child poverty in the UK with 37% of all children and young people living on or below the breadline. It was also revealed nearly half children in parts of Newcastle are living in poverty.

“The North East is levelling down” was the comment made by Northumbria PCC Kim McGuinness, during a visit to Clothe and Feed in South Shields today.

Her office is supporting the charity with donations of Christmas jumpers and children’s toys in place of secret santa gifts between colleagues this year.

Kim McGuinness, said: “Thank goodness for places like Clothe and Feed, especially as there’s some real hardship with Covid and the end of furlough. There are kids in our region who don’t even have a winter coat never mind a tree with presents under it. Families are facing big decisions over heating or eating.

“To think of any child having a miserable Christmas is heart-breaking but to think 1 in 3 kids in our region will be spending Christmas living on the breadline, which is many more than other areas of the country – it makes me cross and I feel disgusted the Government isn’t doing more.

“In recent years the North East has seen a dramatic jump in the number of children growing up in poverty – if anything, we’re levelling down. What’s happening with Government’s plans to give every child the best start in life? The plans don’t seem to be making it to the North, that’s for sure.

“And why does this matter so much to me? Well apart from caring passionately about our region and our region’s future I believe we have to fight poverty to fight crime. Put really simply, to keep kids out of trouble we need to give kids the best start in life, the best opportunities.

“The best crime prevention is increased opportunity and reduced poverty. Criminals recruit those left desperate by deprivation – they’re vulnerable, they get drawn in and they can get involved in all sorts – drugs, serious violence.

“Tackling crime is about much more than law enforcement and it starts with improving lives.”

For four years charity Clothe and Feed have been providing struggling mums and vulnerable children living in the North East with essential items, either for incredibly low prices or free of charge.

In its mission to relieve clothing and food poverty for parents or carers and their dependent in local communities, the charity is now the largest baby and school clothing bank in the region with three outlet locations currently in Wallsend, Byker, South Shields and Sunderland.

Shakira Robson from Clothe and Feed, said: “This year has seen yet a further surge in the need for our services and affordable items.

“In order to meet this increasing demand, we are appealing for donations of toys and baby equipment from our local community.

“We were delighted and overwhelmed with the generosity shown by Kim’s office colleagues this morning. This contribution will help to make Christmas special for of the most under-priviledged children in our region.

“We thank you for taking the time to highlight the effects of child poverty and for your support in our mission to relieve this hardship.”

More info:

www.clotheandfeed.org.uk

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “Male violence, particularly against women, is a really big problem and it’s just not going away. The whole of society needs a reset. Things desperately need to change. It’s absolutely the case that policing needs to change too – our police need to lead the way with this.

“Putting perpetrators under the spotlight rather than victims and taking a proactive approach to prevention are key. I know these are already priorities for Northumbria Police and the force will be doing more around this. There is no question the focus has to be on education – to break the cycle and stop young people becoming perpetrators.

“We also need to look at the whole picture and there needs to be a drive to shift prosecution practice, court attitudes and misogyny and sexism in every single workplace.

“Crucially though, we need victims needs to be properly funded and treated as a priority. Likewise, we need our police forces to be properly funded to tackle the problem head on. This needs to be a time for realisation by Government – cuts won’t cut VAWG crime and it’s about time we did.”