Dedicated students have unveiled a lasting tribute to knife crime victims as part of a pioneering art project.

Young people studying at Northumberland Skills at the Port of Blyth have used the college’s state-of-the-art welding centre to design and produce a bench made out of confiscated or donated blunted knives.

It will now go on display at The Pavillion in Blyth for the public to see and use.

The unveiling of the bench comes during Sceptre, a week of activity across the Northumbria Police Force area to tackle knife crime and its root causes by carrying out education and engagement activity in the community.

The students have also received inputs from the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), which is funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria, Susan Dungworth.

Nicky Boyle, 18, who was on the Northumberland Skills learners who worked on the bench, said: “It’s been hard work to put the bench together, but now that it’s finished it looks phenomenal. I’ve loved every second of it and I’m really proud of what we’ve produced.”

The project has the backing of a number of families who have been affected by the devastating impact of knife crime, including the loved ones of Samantha Madgin.

Samantha was aged just 18 when she was fatally stabbed in Wallsend in 2007, just months after she had given birth to her son.

Samantha’s family, including mum Alison and sister Carly, have used their heartbreak to fight tirelessly to prevent serious violent crime in the North East, setting up Samantha’s Legacy in her memory.

During the process of creating the bench, Samantha’s family have given talks to the students about the devastating impact knife crime has had on them.

Through Project Shield, which is funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria, the Force is committed to tackling ASB and serious violence right across the length and breadth of the communities it serves.

Alison said: “I’m quite emotional now that I’ve seen the finished bench. I’m so proud of everyone who’s put in the effort towards this, they’ve done an excellent job and they were so excited to unveil it.

“Hopefully, it’ll make people think about knife crime and lead them to have conversations with their families of the dangers of becoming involved in it.”

Superintendent Scott Cowie, of Northumbria Police’s dedicated Prevention department, said: “It’s been fantastic to see the hard work and skill that has gone into creating the bench during the past few months.

“Northumberland Skills’ learners have taken considerable time to not only design the sculpture but also put in many hours of work to complete it too.

“The project is a fitting tribute to those we have sadly lost their lives to knife crime in our region, but we also hope it acts as a serious deterrent to those thinking of arming themselves with such weapons.

“We hope it will be used as a point of reflection for people to stop and take time to think about how dangerous knives are.

“As part of our work, we believe it is vital that young people don’t just hear about knife crime but are part of the solution to solving these problems too.

“We know as police that we alone can’t prevent knife crime, which is why it’s so important that everyone plays their part in tackling this issue within society.

“We are building on the work we do to tackle and prevent knife crime each and every day in our Force area as part of Sceptre this week. Officers are carrying out warrants at addresses to arrest those suspected of knife crime and serious violence while also seizing weapons and drugs.”

As part of other activity, colleagues in the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), which is funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria (OPCC), are putting on engagement sessions at schools and colleges to emphasise the dangers knife criminality.

Alongside counterparts at British Transport Police, teams are riding the rails on the region’s Metro system to spot any knife crime issues and pass on safety advice to the public.

As part of Operation Sceptre, knife surrender bins are out in place at the following stations:

• Middle Engine Lane in Wallsend, North Tyneside
• Alnwick, Bedlington, Berwick and Hexham in Northumberland
• Etal Lane and Forth Banks in Newcastle
• Gateshead station
• Millbank in South Shields
• Southwick in Sunderland

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth said: “It’s inspiring to see young people using their skills and creativity to raise awareness and take a stand against knife crime.

“Sadly, too many families have experienced the heartbreak of losing a loved one to such senseless violence. Knives destroy lives, and the impact ripples through entire communities, which makes initiatives like this all the more important.

“By creating this bench, the students have given their community a place for reflection and a powerful reminder of the consequences of carrying a weapon – encouraging people to stop, think, and make positive choices.

“This project complements the wider work taking place across our region, during Sceptre and throughout the year, including enforcement activity led by Northumbria Police, extra patrols through Project Shield, and targeted interventions and education sessions delivered by our Violence Reduction Unit, and partners such as Samantha’s Legacy.”

She added: “Thank you to everyone involved, but most importantly the students whose hard work and creativity have brought this vision to life. Together, we are sending a clear message that there is no place for knife crime, and we will continue to build safer, stronger communities for everyone.”

Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson, Cabinet Member for Inspiring Young People at Northumberland County Council, said: “This project captures everything that education should stand for – creativity, collaboration and community impact.

“By transforming confiscated knives into a symbol of hope and remembrance, our learners have not only developed exceptional technical skills but also a deeper understanding of the difference they can make in society.

“It’s a powerful example of learning with purpose.”

Anyone who wants to report suspected knife crime can do so by sending Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or by using the live chat or report forms on the Force website.

For those unable to make contact via those ways, call 101.

In an emergency situation, always ring 999.

To report suspected criminality you can speak to the charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.

PCC launches £100,000 fund to help deliver safer streets and stronger communities

AS the festive season approaches, Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, has launched a new £100,000 Commissioner’s Community Fund and is inviting local organisations to look ahead to the new year with ideas to make communities feel safer, stronger, and more connected.

The fund has been designed to help deliver the goals of her Police and Crime Plan for Northumbria and is there to help grassroots projects and local groups that provide locally led support for vulnerable people, create positive opportunities for young people, and reduce anti-social behaviour and crime.

Some of the money used to create this fund has been recovered by police under the Proceeds of Crime Act (PoCA). This ensures that money taken from criminals is reinvested into the communities it once harmed.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said: “This fund is about helping communities take the lead in making their neighbourhoods safer and stronger. It reflects the priorities set out in my Police and Crime Plan for Northumbria – to prevent crime, tackle anti-social behaviour, and build confidence in policing.

“By investing in our communities and supporting ideas from the local area, we’re showing we’re listening, that crime doesn’t pay, – and we’re empowering communities to make real, lasting change.”

This year, the Commissioner’s Community Fund applications are being managed by Community Foundation North East – a charity that helps make sure funding reaches good causes across Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and the wider North East

Small grants of up to £1,000 are available for one-off or community events, and larger grants of £1,001 to £5,000 are for projects lasting up to one year.

The Commissioner is looking to award funding to projects and initiatives that:

• Deliver diversionary activities for young people, particularly during school holidays.
• Reduce anti-social behaviour and crime.
• Repair the harm caused by offending and improve community cohesion.
• Support vulnerable people and families.

Adam Lopardo, Chief Funding and Partnership Officer at Community Foundation North East, said:

“We are delighted to be working with the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner and her team on the Commissioner’s Community Fund. We know from our Vital Signs Justice report the positive impact the type of projects and initiatives this fund will support can have on our communities. We look forward to seeing those projects in action.”

Previous rounds of the fund have supported workshops improving understanding of the criminal justice system and hate crime reporting, youth projects giving confidence and new skills, peer mentoring programmes helping young people make positive choices. The funding can help towards, staff deliver, equipment, accessibility, venue hire, transport and more.

Applications are now open from today, Monday 24 November and will close at 12pm midday on Wednesday 7th January, 2026.

For more information click below.

APPLY

ENDS

HOW SAFE ARE WE? is the new vulnerability awareness package rolled out by the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit as part of its winter safety campaign, helping more people to spot the risks and keep others safe.

Staff from the popular South Shields venue Arbeia – which is owned by pop star Jade Thirlwall and who has backed the vulnerability training – were among the first to take part, along with colleagues from nearby pubs, clubs and food outlets.

They were joined by Police Commissioner Susan Dungworth and representatives from Northumbria Police, who praised the collective effort to make the town centre safer for everyone.

The practical sessions give bar staff, door supervisors and club managers the skills to recognise signs of vulnerability, assess risk and step in to support someone when they need it most.

The launch marks the start of a programme of activity from the Violence Reduction Unit over the winter months, in a coordinated effort to raise awareness, prevent violence and build safer, stronger communities.

Among the activity planned:

• Taxi marshals, extra visible patrols and youth diversionary activities funded through the Seasonal Violence Fund, ensuring resources are directed where they are needed most.
• Online awareness sessions on topics including knife crime, joint enterprise, gangs and youth violence, and hidden harms – building a growing network of nearly 300 Violence Prevention Ambassadors, one year on from the programme’s launch.
• Providing education in schools and community settings, helping young people understand the impact and consequences of split-second decisions, giving them the knowledge and confidence to keep themselves and others safe.
• Delivering targeted interventions to address the behaviour of those causing the most harm in communities, alongside key services.

Together, these initiatives highlight the ongoing commitment of the Violence Reduction Unit and partners including Northumbria Police, and through campaigns such as Punched Out Cold, in reducing violence, protecting vulnerable people, and keeping communities safe this winter and beyond.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth said: “When I introduced my Police and Crime Plan earlier this year, I set out six key priorities that residents told me where important to them. And at the heart of it all was making sure you feel safe, such as when out in public places”

“The How Safe Are We? training is a fantastic example of how we can empower those working on the frontline of our night-time economy to recognise when someone may be vulnerable and step in to offer support.

“Keeping people safe isn’t just about enforcement, it’s about prevention, education and working closely with a range of services. Through our Violence Reduction Unit, We’re bringing partners together from police, schools, businesses, youth services and community groups, to tackle the root causes of violence, and make a long and lasting difference.

“This winter, our message is clear: whether you’re out enjoying the festivities or working in our wonderful towns and cities, we all have a role to play in preventing harm, and building safer, stronger communities for everyone.”

Backing the training, pop star and owner of Arbeia Bar, Jade Thirlwall said: “We’re really proud that Arbeia was one of the first venues to take part in this important training. Creating a safe and welcoming environment for everyone who comes through our doors has always been a top priority for us. The ‘How Safe Are We?’ sessions give our team the confidence to spot when someone might need help and to step in in the right way.”

“As part of the South Shields community, we all have a role to play in looking out for each other — especially during the busy winter months. It’s amazing to see local venues, the Violence Reduction Unit and Northumbria Police working together to keep people safe and make our town centre somewhere everyone can enjoy.”

Chief Superintendent Aelf Sampson, Area Commander for South Tyneside, said: “Our region is renowned for having a vibrant and welcoming nightlife, where those who live here and visit can enjoy a safe night out. We work collaboratively with our partners every day to ensure it stays that way – and that often involves supporting businesses operating in our busy night time economy and their frontline staff.

“One way we can enhance our collective response to keeping people safe is through specialist training, and I’m pleased we’ve been able to extend the offering to this event which is being hosted by the Arbeia Bar.

“This training across our licenced premises will support staff in identifying those who may be vulnerable in these venues, and the impact that alcohol and substances can have on a person – as well as what the appropriate next steps might look like. We also run dedicated operations year-round, as well as plain clothed and uniform patrol activity, so we can identify pockets of disorder and help those in need.

“Please remember that if you do need us, we are here for you – and a helping hand will also be available through the bar staff you interact with too.”

ENDS

“This morning I took an urgent call with the Policing Minister who updated myself and other PCCs ahead of an announcement she made in Parliament this morning, around the Police Reform White Paper. The announcement was that – as of the elections in 2028 – the role of the PCC will be ceased.

I have always believed in the role of PCC and the important link it provides between individuals, communities, and businesses and effectively holding our Police to account.

I look forward to receiving further information and working with Government on how a new representative body will work. Police governance must continue, and victims will still need to be supported.

I have a fantastic team, who do great work alongside partners, which is crucial to local residents. Although uncertainty remains, I am hopeful this will bring opportunities for my staff, and we will be working closely with partners through this time of change, ensuring we keep building on the good work being delivered.

In the meantime, nothing will change in our committed efforts working towards safer streets and stronger communities for the people of Northumberland, Tyne and Wear.”

Young people across the region have secured more than £14,000 in funding to lead a series of innovative projects designed to prevent serious violence, promote positive choices, and improve local areas.

The funding, provided through the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit’s Local Youth Fund, places young people at the heart of decision-making – empowering them to take action on the issues that matter most to them.

From support groups to an outdoor gym, these youth-led projects are creating safer spaces, offering alternatives to crime, and showcasing the drive and creativity of young people determined to make a real and lasting difference.

One young person said it’s about: “having more safe, welcoming places to go – where you can build friendships, keep active, and have positive role models.”

Another added: “It’s important for us to come together as a community to support each other. Only through unity and kindness can we create a safer environment for everyone.”

A third said: “When there’s stuff to do and places to hang out, people are less likely to get into trouble.”

After a thorough selection process by a panel of young people, eight projects have been chosen to receive funding and turn their ideas into action:

• Weights & Cakes (Sunderland): Strong Futures is a youth-led project empowering young people through fitness, cooking, and creative workshops, while raising awareness about knife crime and the importance of making positive choices.
• Felling ABC (Gateshead): Creating a community hub and games room within a boxing gym, giving young people a place connect, build discipline, and find positive alternatives to crime and violence.
• Family Gateway (North Tyneside): Developing an outdoor gym where young people can take part in fun, peer-led bootcamp-style sessions, giving them a safe, positive space to stay active, build confidence, and make friends.
• Foundation Futures CIO (Newcastle): Hosting a youth safety event and football tournament to raise awareness about knife crime, provide practical first aid training, and bring young people together through sport.
• South Tyneside Ability (South Tyneside): Running support groups for young people to learn about staying safe, understand the dangers of knife crime, county lines, and exploitation, and gain the confidence to make informed and positive choices.
• Gen D CIC (Sunderland): Creating a Digital Youth Hub where young people can socialise, play games, and learn skills including art, animation, and online safety — promoting creativity, teamwork, and positive choices in a safe space.
• 242 (Cramlington) Squadron Air Cadets (Northumberland): Delivering a three-month programme combining sport and education to promote fitness, teamwork, and informed decision making, helping young people build resilience and deter them from crime.
• Wallsend Boys Club (North Tyneside): Providing a range of workshops and activities focusing on mental health, wellbeing, nutrition and social harm, as well as coaching opportunities for young people to gain vital skills.

Congratulating young people on their funding success, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth said: “I’m delighted to see such a wide range of projects put forward to by young people in the latest Local Youth Fund. And at the heart of it all is one clear message – the importance of having safe places to spend time with friends, have fun, and even learn something new.

“Earlier this year I launched my Police and Crime Plan, setting out a collective vision for creating safer streets, and stronger communities. I want to keep building on the progress we’re making, which is why I asked young people to tell me what matters most to them – and they’ve done exactly that.

“These projects are not only about helping to prevent serious violence, but they’re also giving young people the opportunity to develop vital life skills, boost their confidence, and take pride in bringing their ideas to life.

“The creativity and passion shown by our incredible applicants has been remarkable, and I know the selection process was incredibly tough for the panel. I’m looking forward to seeing these fantastic projects in action.”

ENDS

New policing base opens at North Shields Transport Hub to tackle anti-social behaviour

A new policing base has opened at North Shields Transport Hub, to help address anti-social behaviour and improve safety for passengers, staff and the wider community.

It means Northumbria Police and North Tyneside Council’s community protection team have a visible presence on site, with a faster response to incidents in the area.

The base provides a drop-in point for members of the public to speak directly with officers and community protection staff.

It’s part of Project Shield, a force-wide programme launched in July 2024 to tackle anti-social behaviour and violence in hotspot locations. Delivered in partnership with Northumbria Police, North East local authorities and transport providers, Project Shield aims to increase patrols, strengthen community confidence and reduce crime.

North Shields Transport Hub was targeted in a vandalism incident in January 2025, which caused significant damage to the main entrance.

Councillor Sandra Graham, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “This is a practical step to make North Shields town centre safer and more welcoming for everyone.

“By placing officers where issues are happening, we can respond more quickly and work closely with local businesses, transport staff and the public to tackle problems before they escalate.”

Early feedback from town centre businesses has been positive, with quicker responses to shoplifting and other incidents in and around the Transport Hub.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said: “For me, having an engaged and responsive police force is a top priority and this base will help with joint efforts to combat local issues. We know the area has been targeted with vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the past and Project Shield is about ensuring we have targeted patrols and engagement in areas of concern. This base will allow police and partners to take action efficiently and effectively, which in turn should help feelings of safety for public transport users in North Shields.”

Sergeant Leanne Hall, of Northumbria Police’s North Tyneside Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “People using the Transport Hub in North Shields should feel safe and confident. Having a shared base here helps us to tackle problems straight away, while reassuring the public that we’re on hand for them.

“This collaborative approach with our partners helps us to identify anti-social behaviour issues earlier, deter offenders from carrying out crime, share intelligence and plan our activity accordingly.

“The base provides our dedicated multi-agency team with an excellent vantage point to keep an eye on any ASB around the Transport Hub so that we can get out quickly and take the appropriate action when we see problems arise.

“Please remember we’re here to help so if you want to drop into the hub for a chat with our officers, don’t hesitate to do so.”