THIS week isn’t just about back to school, for Northumbria Police it’s about getting more officers back on the beat.

That’s because on Monday,104 new police officer recruits were welcomed to the Force – the highest single intake in years.

On their first day of training, new starters were personally welcomed by Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine and Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth.

Both took time to talk about their plans and ambitions for Northumbria Police and underline the vital role new recruits will play in helping deliver safer streets and stronger communities for the people of Northumberland, Tyne and Wear.

Over the last year, Northumbria Police has met national uplift targets bringing the total number of officers to 3,853.

Workforce numbers are set to be bolstered even further in the year ahead through the Government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee. This will see a further 95 neighbourhood police officers, 27 PCSOs and 30 Specials join the Force.

The boost to numbers also reflects Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth’s Police and Crime Plan; which prioritises having an engaged and responsive police force.

She said: “These recruits represent a visible investment in community safety – more officers on the ground, more reassurance for residents, and a stronger police presence for the future.

“My Police and Crime Plan is all about safer streets and stronger communities, and these new officers are key to delivering that vision – we’re getting police numbers back up to where they belong.

“Policing is a career that demands commitment, compassion and professionalism – and I am confident the officers that were there in the room will rise to that challenge. I look forward to catching up with them again as they progress through the training and settle in to the role. Some may want to progress into neighbourhood policing, investigations, safeguarding or specialist roles – whatever they go on to do, I am sure they can make a real difference in our communities.”

Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine said: “It is always a real privilege to welcome new officers as they begin their policing journey.

“It was fantastic to see such a large number, who have made the commitment to serve and protect our fantastic communities here in the North East.”

Chief Constable Jardine added: “With officer recruitment now open, I would encourage anyone who is passionate about making a difference and providing an outstanding service to find out more about joining us.

“We know that people want to see officers out and about, that is why we are delighted to be offering a direct route into neighbourhood policing which puts you right at the heart of our communities tackling the issues that matter most to them.”

Both the PCC and Chief Constable emphasised the importance of continuing to attract people from all backgrounds, ensuring that the workforce reflects and represents the diverse communities it serves.

The ongoing recruitment scheme aims to increase police visibility, especially in town centres as well as boosting community engagement, and tackling issues like anti-social behaviour and crime.

Northumbria is the first College of Policing accredited Force in the country to offer new recruits a direct route into community policing, meaning those who choose the neighbourhood option will specialise in this area from joining. This pathway can be accessed by graduates, non-graduates and those seeking a degree level apprenticeship.

Visit the careers website at Careers – Northumbria Police for more information.

NORTHUMBRIA Police’s ‘Trojan’ bus – a decoy bus where the passengers are plain clothes police officers – has been back on the beat, as part of the Safer Streets Summer Initiative, helping officers take tough action at anti-social behaviour hotspots.

The innovative policing tactic sees officers on board what appears to be a regular bus service, but it is in fact a staged service on route to pick up anti-social behaviour (ASB) offenders at bus stops and stations and helps officers make any necessary arrests.

Northumbria Police’s decoy bus is in conjunction with Stagecoach, and the initiative uses additional funding as part of Commissioner Susan Dungworth’s Project Shield, which was launched a year ago and has helped achieve a 19 per cent reduction in ASB in targeted areas.

Project Shield is part of joint activity from police and partners working to keep town centres across the force area safe this summer. As well as the Trojan Bus, the project involves increased visible patrols, proactive policing, and community engagement to improve feelings of safety and reduce crime.

Previously the initiative has run in the winter months, and so this is the first time it’s being rolled out in the summer season. Warmer weather and longer daylight hours often encourage more people to gather in public spaces – parks, streets, town centres, transport hubs – where ASB is more likely to occur.

The destination of the bus varies, as it is dispatched as a direct response following complaints from local residents or public transport users. Current deployments are covering South Tyneside and Sunderland.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commission, Susan Dungworth, said: “It’s really important we take people’s concerns around ASB seriously and that is why I made it a priority in my Police and Crime Plan.

“Through Project Shield, The Trojan bus tactic is one of many strategies being used by officers to tackle ASB. It shows we are listening and trying a range of methods to catch those responsible and put a stop to behaviours that people understandably have had enough of in their area.

“Throwing stones at vehicles, vandalising bus stops or riding motorbikes on pedestrian pathways – it’s all unacceptable and those responsible need to watch their backs as the trojan bus could be pulling up to their street at any time.

Susan continued: “During the summer months when it’s warmer and the nights are lighter, we know more people are out and about in our town centres and this always leads to higher levels of both daytime and nighttime ASB and crime.

“And so, we have been coming together with our partners like our councils and Stagecoach, so we can get ahead of problems. We hope all the work that’s happening will help prevent or deter crime, whilst also improving overall feelings of safety.

“Why the bus works is it brings an element of surprise, capturing more authentic behaviour and this means our officers can intervene and can take appropriate action. We know people want to see a visible policing presence, but I want residents to know about other policing that are less visible but can still make an impact towards delivering safer streets and stronger communities.”

Minister for Crime and Policing Dame Diana Johnson said:

“Anti-social behaviour brings misery to local residents which is one of the reasons we launched the Safer Streets Summer Initiative to get more police out in local areas tackling crime and anti-social behaviour.

“Northumbria Police’s Trojan Bus is a brilliant example of how bespoke local tactics are being used up and down the country to make a real difference to communities, alongside the nationwide effort to put more police officers back on the beat and increase visible patrols.

“With every force now providing a named, contactable officer in every neighbourhood, and thousands of police and community support officers returning to our streets in the coming year, we’re sending a clear message: anti-social behaviour and crime will not be tolerated. This isn’t just about enforcement—it’s about rebuilding trust and pride in our communities, and making our streets safer for everyone.”

Chief Inspector Phil Baker, of Northumbria Police, said: “As a Force, we fully recognise the anti-social behaviour of a minority of people can have a significant and detrimental impact on the communities we serve.

“ASB is not a victimless crime – and nobody should have to put up with it on their doorstep, or face issues when using the wider transport network in the region.

“The Trojan bus has previously been run in the winter, but we know that the warmer weather and lighter nights during summer often means an increase in ASB and disorder, with more people out and about at our transport hubs.

“Policing in this way gives us a unique opportunity to identify those behaving in an anti-social or criminal way in real time – helping us to disrupt offenders swiftly and take appropriate action against those involved.

“Ultimately, we are using the Trojan bus as a way to fight crime as its happening, prevent further disorder – ensuring that all passengers and residents feel safe when using public transport.

“Together, alongside our partners, we will continue to use every tactic at our disposal to tackle these forms of criminality and ensure our communities remain as safe as they can be.”

Stagecoach North East Managing Director, Steve Walker, said: “Our buses are a safe, convenient, cost-effective and sustainable way to travel and we’re committed to working alongside our partners to ensure they remain that way. Through initiatives such as the Trojan Bus, we want to make it clear that any kind of antisocial behaviour will simply not be tolerated.”

Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council, said: “Residents consistently tell us that anti-social behaviour is one of their top concerns, and we’re responding with our partners to tackle disorder head-on. The Trojan Bus is just one of the innovative tactics being used to make our streets safer and send a clear message that ASB will not be tolerated.”

ENDS

A dedicated police and partner operation is further driving down crime and anti-social behaviour in a coastal community this summer.

Operation Coastwatch, which runs in North Tyneside, was launched in 2014 by Northumbria Police, North Tyneside Council and to tackle pockets of disorder which often spring up close to the coast.

The scheme, which is part of the Safer Summer Streets Initiative, aims to reassure the community and take swift action to prevent any disorder during periods of warmer weather through extra foot patrols, both uniformed and plain-clothed, preventative work at Metro stations and beach wardens who monitor coastal activity.

Staff from the council’s Community Protection Team patrol the beaches to look out for litter and anti-social behaviour issues while colleagues at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service are also involved in identifying areas where nuisance fires are likely to be started.

In the first three months of this year’s partnership – from the beginning of May to the end of July – there has been a 47 per cent fall in the number of anti-social behaviour (ASB) incidents compared with 2024, while the number of ASB incidents on the Metro transport network has dropped by 74 per cent.

Vehicle crime reports have dropped by a huge 63 per cent compared with the same period last year, with criminal damage dropping 25 per cent and serious violence reducing by nine per cent.

The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Northumbria Susan Dungworth joined Op Coastwatch officers on their patrols to see first-hand the impact that the scheme is having on North Tyneside.

The PCC said: “We have a brilliant coastline in the North East and our coastal towns really come alive during the summer months as our beautiful beaches are enjoyed by residents and visitors – this is why we need heightened police visibility and Operation Coastwatch delivers this.

“The operation is part of our Safer Streets Summer Initiative and is about ensuring officers and partners are they when you need them – keeping the atmosphere safe and welcoming supporting local businesses and helping to prevent things like anti-social behaviour.

“I joined patrols across North Tyneside to see work in action – as well as engagement there was some useful intelligence sharing and problem solving. All this joint working is helping towards the significant falls we are seeing in the area in terms of antisocial behaviour and serious violence.

“It’s all part of our efforts working towards safer streets and stronger communities.”

Inspector James Younas, of Northumbria Police’s North Tyneside Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT), said: “We’re really proud of the progress made through the use of Operation Coastwatch and would like to thank those right across our community who support us in this important work.

“Sadly, we know that the actions of a minority can have a serious detrimental impact on the lives of others and that is why we are committed to addressing any issues by having a visible policing presence to reassure residents.

“The joined-up, collaborative approach is key and by continuing to work together and pooling our intelligence, we can keep on effectively tackling anti-social behaviour and minimise criminality at our coastal spots and transport hubs.”

Councillor Sandra Graham, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and the Climate Emergency, said: “I feel very proud of the progress we’ve made in driving down anti-social behaviour along our coast. Thanks to the dedication of our Community Protection Team and the strength of our partnerships with Northumbria Police, Nexus, and others, North Tyneside’s beaches and town centres are safer and more welcoming for everyone.

“But we know we can’t be complacent, which is why we’ll keep up proactive patrols and early intervention to build on this success.”

Erika Allen, Quality Health Safety Security and Environment (QHSSE) Director at Nexus, said: “It’s great to see Operation Coastwatch having such a positive impact in lowering crime and anti-social behaviour and the hard work on this will continue.

“As the operator of the Metro system, we have a key part to play in supporting the police and our local authority partners in keeping the public safe and secure as we provide Metro services into North Tyneside.

“This builds on the work we have already done to improve safety and security on the transport network, including the roll out of our dedicated security teams, investment in new CCTV, and the launch of our text message alert system.

“Metro is a safe system to travel on and we are determined to keep it that way.”

Paul Russell, Area Manager Community Safety, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We are pleased to see the progress being made in the North Tyneside area where incidents of anti-social behaviour had become an issue.  It represents the hard work being produced by our partners, who are delivering Operation Coastwatch through operational and prevention activities.

“We will continue to support colleagues at Northumbria Police, Nexus and the local authority to ensure people are aware of the impact that ASB can have on the local community.”

Anyone who has issues with ASB in their area can send Northumbria Police a DM on social media or use the live chat or report forms on the Force’s website.

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

Commissioner, police and councillors at the beach as part of Op Coastwatch

VICTIMS in the Northumbria Police force area can now search for specialist support at the click of a button – thanks to a new directory launched by police and crime commissioner, Susan Dungworth.

Featured on the PCC’s website, the new search tool, launched today Wednesday 20^th August allows victims and witnesses to search for emotional and practical support in their local authority area.

The directory includes details of local and national organisations, funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office, and features a description of the help available.

You can access it via the PCC’s website and it has been designed to ensure it’s simple, user-friendly and suitable for all ages.

The Commissioner wants to encourage anyone looking for support for themselves or people they know, to make use of the directory to help find the right support that best meets their needs.

Specialist support is available to those who have experienced crimes such as domestic abuse, serious violence and hate crime.

Victims and Justice is one of six key priorities outlined in Susan’s police and crime plan for safer streets and stronger communities, launched earlier this year.

The new directory is one way she is delivering on her commitment to improving awareness of the support available for adult and child victims and ensuring it is easily accessible.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said:

“Being a victim of crime can have a devastating impact on people’s lives. I want to raise awareness of the wide range of support that is there to help and make it as accessible as possible for people – this directory is here to help with that.

“I would always encourage anyone who has had a crime committed against them to call the police, who will signpost you to support options, but I understand that going to the police is not for everyone, and is something some people need to build up to over time. This is why a directory like this is so important – anyone can visit the website and find the type of support they want to receive when they are ready, with or without police involvement.”

Susan continued: “When I started as PCC, I was impressed by the services we commission through the office, and I want to shout about all the support that’s there to help victims and their families cope and recover from their experiences.

So, we have been busy working on a brand-new directory as part of our ongoing wok to improve the victim experience and provide the best possible level of support to victims of crime in Northumbria.

“Support of all kinds is available, from counselling right through to helping guide victims through the criminal justice system. Whatever the crime and whether or not it was reported to the police doesn’t matter. The crime could have happened yesterday of 10 years ago – that doesn’t matter either. I want victims, survivors, relatives all to know this directory is there for them to find the right support whenever the time is right for them. My thanks go to everyone who has assisted in the preparation of this digital resource and who is helping promote it to victims.”

Th directory lists support services that are funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. It will be updated on annual basis reflecting services commissioned for the year ahead.

To access the directory – press the ‘Get Support’ button on the website home page, or click here.

MINISTER PRAISES BEST PRACTICE IN SUPPORTING VICTIMS ON VISIT TO NORTHUMBRIA

THIS week Ministry of Justice Victims Minister MP Alex Davies Jones travelled to the North East to meet with Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), frontline professionals and strategic partners to hear more about how victims of crime are being supported across the force area.

The visit included a tour of the region’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), known as The Angel Centre, where she heard first-hand about the work taking place to support those who have been sexually assaulted. Funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and NHS England, the purpose-built facility provides a vital role in helping survivors cope and recover from sexual assault, as well as assisting with forensic recovery should victims wish to seek a criminal justice outcome and take offenders before the courts. It’s one of the first SARCs in the country working towards official accreditation for meeting key standards.

The Minister also asked about the Northumbria Victims of Crime Survey, launched last week. The survey is seeking views and experiences of victims and service providers to help shape victim support services. The PCC hopes to identify where existing services are effective and accessible, as well as highlighting areas for improvement by identifying any unmet or emerging victim needs.

Discussions also covered:

• The benefits of the victim’s hub, Northumbria Victim and Witness Service (NVWS) and how it signposts to specialist services to help meet the needs of the victim.
• How collaborative relationships are built with service providers across the region
• Funding challenges and the need for sustainable long-term funding for specialist providers

Minister for Victims and tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), Alex Davies-Jones spoke about the government’s commitment to halving VAWG in the next decade and to create safer streets through its Plan for Change. She said:

“The voices of victims themselves are a vital tool in making our services stronger, streets safer, and justice system better.

“It was a pleasure to meet those on the frontline at Northumbria PCC and thank them for the important work they’re doing. I encourage victims in the area to take part in the survey and help shape the future of support services for others in need.”

More than 30,000 victims have been supported in 2024-25 through the services commissioned by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner which cover a range of specialist areas including sexual abuse, hate crime and violence.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said: “We were so pleased to welcome the Minister and her team to our area to showcase the vital work to support victims that’s happening locally.

“Since becoming PCC, I have seen the dedication of our teams and partners that’s making a real difference to victims every day and so it was great to have the opportunity to highlight how we operate, and talk about important services such as The Angel Centre.

“We want to make sure victims are at the centre of all the work we do – from reporting a crime to recovery and justice and we are continually seeking ways to improve. I want us to be leading the way whether that’s with early support or ongoing care. The Minister seemed pleased with the way we are doing things up here and our ongoing efforts to make sure the victims voice is heard through our new Northumbria Victims of Crime Survey.”

Jessica Redhead, Head of Health & Justice for NHS England, North East & North Cumbria region, said: “The best advice we can give to anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted is to use a SARC, which provides wrap around specialist care and support 24/7. These are tried and tested services which support men, women and children. They are accessible by self-referral and individuals do not have to report to the police to get help.

“We are committed to working closely with the region’s Police and Crime Commissioners, partners and our provider to ensure that victims and survivors of sexual violence continue to receive the highest quality support services.”

Assistant Chief Constable Alastair Simpson, of Northumbria Police, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to welcome the Minister and her team into our region and to demonstrate how Northumbria Police is unwavering in its pledge to protecting the vulnerable.

“We remain committed to making sure everyone who experiences any form of abuse receives the highest level of service possible.

“The Angel Centre is a fantastic site where victims having been receiving specialist and tailored support for almost two years now.

“Since it opened, it has undoubtedly assisted our investigations and enabled us to bring offenders to justice – but most importantly supported victims in those critical early stages after an offence has taken place.

“We would encourage anyone who has been subjected to any form of abuse to come forward so we can take the appropriate action.

“We’ll continue working alongside our partners and support organisations and eagerly await the results of the Northumbria Victims of Crime Survey so we can ensure we’re even better meeting victims’ needs.”

The North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) scored a number of major successes over the past year.

NEROCU delivers an increased response to tackling, disrupting and dismantling serious and organised crime that goes beyond Force borders in the North East region. They provide additional specialist support through effective partnership working and collaboration.

It has specialist capabilities, which are delivered regionally but available to all police forces. They work together to tackle organised crime groups involved in the likes of drugs and firearms supply, organised immigration crime, acquisitive crime, human trafficking and exploitation, money laundering and fraud, prison corruption and intel, and cyber related crimes.

Among the successes over the past year were:

• 44% increase in disruptions to criminal activity by the Cyber Team from 2023-24 to 2024-25.
• 80% increase in disruptions by The Regional Economic Crime Coordination Centre (RECCC) which targets crimes such as fraud and money laundering.
• 151 larger-scale disruptions in the sale and supply of drugs across the North East. Supporting North East forces’ own operations such as Op City- an investigation into an organised crime gang (OCG) involved in drugs supply.

Major successes during 2024-25 included:

Operation Mille – a national, cross-border operation to target Western Balkan OCGs. A total of 28 warrants executed across the three North East force areas, leading to nine arrests and seizure of over 4,784 cannabis plants with a street value of over £4.5 million.

Operation Green – an operation into the production of Cannabis in Cleveland. It uncovered plants to the value of £1.7 million as well as recovering a significant amount of cash, Class A drugs, illegal tobacco and suspected forged or fraudulent documents.

Operation Birchwood – a NEROCU-led investigation into serious and organised acquisitive crime in the Northumbria force area. It followed a series of high value burglaries which resulted in losses of over £1.3 Million. The four members of the OCG were arrested and subsequently sentenced to over 31 years imprisonment in total.

Operation Grape – an investigation into Organised Immigration Crime in the Durham area which was triggered when intelligence suggested people were living and working in unsafe conditions – including a woman and young child who were safeguarded.

NEROCU is part-funded by and works with North East Police and Crime Commissioners, Cleveland Police, Northumbria Police and Durham Constabulary under the banner of Operation Sentinel – the united regional response to tackling Serious and Organised Crime in all forms.

Assistant Chief Constable Alastair Simpson, NEROCU Senior Responsible Officer, said: “Our latest annual figures have really highlighted the outstanding work done by our specialist teams here at NEROCU.

“The work they do can be tough and complex but the dedication to their work is the reason so many threats to our communities are now behind bars.

“Our work cannot be done without the support of our fantastic regional police forces and the other partners we work with. Here in the North East, it is because we stand united against Serious and Organised Crime that we make the impact we do.”

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said: “Working with regional and national partners to protect our communities and tackle serious and organised crime is right up there in my list of priorities for Northumbria Police and I regularly meet with NEROCU partners to keep updated on developments which align with my Police and Crime Plan.

“It is evident real progress is being made in this area and I want residents to feel reassured that we’re coming down hard on crime gangs, large scale drug supplies have been disrupted and those masterminding high value burglaries have been caught and are behind bars. Countless operations have also led to the safeguarding of vulnerable people who have been exploited by these hardened criminals at the top of the chain. I am grateful of the co-ordinated efforts across the region to disrupt these criminals and protect people – it’s a key part of delivering safer streets and stronger communities.”

Regional organised crime units are an essential part in the fight against serious and organised crime. They provide the main link between the National Crime Agency and police forces in England and Wales.

If you want to find out more about the work being done to tackle Serious and Organised Crime in the North East you can visit the NEROCU website.

If you want to know more about what your Police and Crime Commissioner is doing in your area, you can visit their website:

Northumbria: Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner