MORE young adults are falling victim to online shopping scams than the elderly in the Northumbria Police force area, warns Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness.

In the last year, younger people have been disproportionately affected by online shopping scams with 37 per cent of complaints across Tyne and Wear and Northumberland being made by people aged 20 to 39. Latest figures from Action Fraud also show the age range reporting the most online scams in Northumbria is 20 to 29.

As a result of the pandemic and people spending more time online, online fraud in the Northumbria area has seen an overall increase of 23% in the 6 months to April 2021, compared to the 6 months to November 2020.

These figures will be discussed at this Tuesday’s Police and Crime Panel as part of a high level report from the Police Commissioner on her Fighting Crime priority.

Kim McGuinness is urging people of all ages to remain vigilant around online scams and wants to encourage parents, teachers and carers to have conversations with young people around the risks as we head into the summer holidays when they spend more time browsing the internet.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “There’s this thinking that as we get older we become more vulnerable to fraud, well that’s not always the case. We often hear about older people being conned and targeted by emails or shopping deals but the numbers paint a different picture. Younger generations – the digital natives who’ve grown up with the technology – are becoming the prime targets. People of all ages really can get taken in by these scammers and exploited – the scammers can be very clever, very manipulative and it’s regardless of age.”

During the pandemic, online fraud increased by a third in the UK and the category of fraud that grew the fastest during this time was scams over phone and text. Messages such as those from fraudulent couriers that ask for administrative fees to deliver non-existent parcels surged by 83 per cent in the past year.

PCC McGuinness added: “We’ve heard the pandemic called many things – the Year of the Scammer being one of them. With more people spending time at home, so much of life went digital and this has delivered a devastating surge in scams with cruel criminals preying on their victims during what has been a vulnerable time for many. It can be easy to succumb to the influence of others – the fraudsters selling the counterfeit goods, the dream holidays, the life-changing jobs. People often don’t talk about it or even report it as they feel embarrassed or foolish and they shouldn’t. If reported to Action Fraud, offenders can be brought to justice and it can stop it from happening to anyone else.”

She added: “Northumbria Police has a Complex Fraud Team which works closely with the three north east forces and NERSOU as well as national bodies. Obviously this type of crime ignores all borders, and so the response has to be part of a co-ordinated national approach, and Northumbria Police plays a strong part in this.

“Cyber-related crimes are a growing threat and we want to raise awareness of this so we will be looking at running some dedicated cyber fraud campaigns to enhance the force’s investigation of these crimes going forwards.”

ENDS

FARMS across the Northumbria Police Force area have seen a fall in thefts during lockdown and the plan is to keep driving the numbers down, says Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness.

Over all, in the last 12 month period there have been 517 fewer rural crimes recorded compared to the previous 12 months.

Welcoming the figures Kim McGuinness explained that lockdown had been a contributing factor in the fall but a range of proactive investigations and prevention work from dedicated police officers has also contributed to the recent success.

She said: “While the figures reflect an usual lockdown period, they still represent lots of hard work by Northumbria Police in the fight against rural crime.

“We are fortunate that Northumbria continues to be an area least affected by rural crime compared to other parts of the country – but that’s not to say it’s not happening – it is.

“I understand the negative impact rural crime can have on our communities too, but there is a real positive in the way that volunteers and local partners come together in the fight against this type of crime.

“We can’t be complacent though – far from it. It’s so important to me that these communities feel heard, well-connected and supported by their police force. Our rural crime volunteers are also a key connection and we’re working closely on crime prevention with local people, farmers, businesses, and organisations like the National Farmers’ Union.

“In the aftermath of Covid we don’t want these numbers to creep back up – we want to keep on driving the crime figures down.

“I hope these numbers send a clear message to criminals that operate in the countryside – the Northumbria Police force areas is not an easy target.”

Superintendent Andy Huddleston helps to oversee Northumbria Police’s policing of rural communities but also holds the national policing portfolio for cracking down on the theft of agricultural machinery.

He said: “As the national policing lead looking to address this type of offending, I understand how organised criminals who target our countryside residents and businesses operate. They identify victims and view their crimes as having a low risk and high reward. They target high-value machinery that is often kept on farms or away from residential dwellings.

“Due to the isolated location of many of their victims, they feel emboldened that they can steal this property and make off without being caught. But I want to make it clear that we have been working hard over the past two years to make rural communities such as Northumberland a hostile place for criminals to operate in.

“We are making it increasingly difficult to commit rural crime in our area and that is something the local community and land owners have helped us with. In particular, I want to recognise the efforts of our very successful rural crime volunteers, supported by our rural dedicated crime team, who are fighting back against these thieves.

“We don’t underestimate the catastrophic impact rural crime can have on the farming industry and how it can ruin the lives of those who dedicate themselves to working the land. So let us make it clear – reducing this type of offending is a priority and it is something we will not tolerate in Northumberland, or any of our rural areas.

“We will continue to work hard, alongside our communities, to make Northumberland a hostile place for criminals and ensure offenders are put before the courts, and ultimately behind bars.”

Notes to editors:

12 month comparisons have been drawn between 18/06/2019-17/06/2020 and 18/06/2020-17/06/2021.

Specialist knife-crime training is being carried out across the region to help teachers, nurses and other frontline staff steer young people away from violence.

Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness has rolled out the latest knife crime training designed to ensure young people at risk of gang-violence and criminality are spotted early and helped to turn their lives around.

The region’s only dedicated Violence Reduction Unit – set up by the Police Commissioner to prevent violent crime– has so far worked with more than 250 frontline key workers to better prepare them for supporting the region’s most vulnerable young people.

The Northumbria VRU sessions have so far been delivered in hospitals, schools, children’s homes, colleges and more, and see attendees taught the warning signs to look out, the services available to support those young people in need, and devastating impact just carrying a knife can have.

Praising the impact of the sessions, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness said: “Taking this approach of preventing crime is so important, we absolutely cannot just arrest our way out of it. We need to better prepare staff to deal with vulnerable young people, and also give those same young people the knowledge to make positive life decisions”.

In addition to the sessions for professionals, the Commissioner’s VRU has also delivered knife crime awareness sessions to more than 3,400 young people this academic year.

Kim added: “Some of the staff that have attended the training see these young people at their most vulnerable moment – whether that be in an A&E department, or a custody suite – moments where these professionals can have a real chance to connect with the young person.

“No one should ever be carrying or using a knife, but unfortunately, there are incidents where we see this behaviour occur. Now those first responders will have the confidence and knowledge to help divert those involved in this lifestyle to the excellent services locally. We can break the cycle of violence.”

Those often first on scene or responding to a knife incident, including A&E doctors, as well as paediatrics staff from the Great North Children’s Hospital, have been just some of the staff involved in the knife crime awareness sessions.

Caroline Grayson, Consultant Paediatrician and Designated Doctor for Safeguarding Children at Newcastle Hospitals said: “We have been delighted with the response from the VRU team who have been delivering training in relation to knife crime and gang activity to staff across the organisation and in particular targeting staff in the emergency department and trauma team.

Such training helps our staff identify potential victims of knife crime who may not initially divulge the exact cause of their injuries when they present. It is hoped that with the appropriate approach and sensitive questioning, staff can make sure that any victim of knife crime receives the support they require.

In addition to the teaching sessions, we are hoping that we will soon be able to access support from dedicated youth workers in the Emergency Department working in close collaboration with the VRU and Edge North East team. This exciting initiative will ensure that any individual accessing our Emergency Department who is a victim of knife crime can receive immediate professional help and support.”

–ENDS—

The Northumbria Police & Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, has partnered with Northern Pride to seek the views of the LBGTQ+ community on policing and crime in the run up to Northern Prides annual showcase event.

The Commissioner is inviting all members of the LGBTQ+ community to have their views heard & a say in how the force, and her office, best utilise local resources.

There is also an invite to join the Commissioner in a virtual meeting to discuss any issues and concerns in person – part of the PCCs commitment to ensure the voices of residents are heard loud and clear by the force in her role as ‘voice of the public’.

Launching the consultation, Kim said: “It is my role to ensure that all communities are being listened to and represented within the forces priorities – this is a real opportunity to have your say on policing & crime and help ensure the force is doing the best job they can to fight crime, prevent crime, and improve lives.”

“The last 14 months have been challenging, they’ve brought new policing demands and changes to crime types, therefore it is important that I know what issues are facing our communities, and what is required of the force.”

“I’m devastated that our fabulous pride festival won’t be taking place in person for another year running, but I know Ste and everyone at Northern Pride will put on a fantastic virtual event, just like last year.”

Hate crime, linked to sexual orientation, has steadily increased in recent years and the addition of lockdown has also brought additional challenges to victims of crime.  Across Northumbria, overall hate crime incidents increased across the 12 months from April 2019-20 to April 2020-21 – including a small increase in homophobic & transgender hate crimes.

During the Commissioners Police & Crime Plan consultation, the ‘safety of the LBGT community’ and ‘Hate crime directed at LGBT+ community’ were both listed amongst priorities that residents would like to see addressed.

Ste Dunn, Director of Northern Pride, who are supporting with the promotion of the Commissioners consultation, said: “It’s great that our Commissioner wants to hear the views of the LGBTQ+ community and understand their issues and concerns directly. Only this way can we seeing meaningful follow up and action.

“Our community has seen increased challenges because of lockdown – many living in potentially unsafe households, or living with people they didn’t feel safe confiding in, many have really struggled.”

“I urge all members of the LGTBQ+ community to have a say, give their views, and tell the police what would make them feel safer.”

The consultation will be open for two weeks and can be accessed via http://bit.ly/NbriaPCCNPride21 – the survey is open to all those aged 18+.

–ENDS—

Nick Thomas-Symonds, the Shadow Home Secretary, has visited Tyneside to see how the region’s police commissioner Kim McGuinness is preventing crime and serious violence amidst Government funding uncertainty. 

Northumbria’s Police & Crime Commissioner welcomed the Labour frontbencher as the pair called on the Government to commit to long term funding for crime prevention and youth services.

The call comes following devastating cuts totalling a near 75% funding reduction in services for young people across the Northumbria force area since 2011.

The MP visited several youth interventions which currently receive funding from the PCC to prevent crime and offending across the region.

Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner set out the challenges local services are operating under. Kim said: “We’ve made some real progress in fighting crime and preventing crime, but until the Government back a long-term approach with the necessary funding, we will never deliver sustainable change.”

“Because of the short-term funding that Government hands down, we can only provide ad-hoc support and it is ultimately the young people who lose out when a project or programme has to come to an end after so many months.”

“It is time for the Government to stand up and give the youth sector the support they have stripped them of.”

On his visit to Gateshead and Newcastle, the Shadow Home Secretary was shown a range of crime preventing projects ranging from in school education to one to one mentoring and family support work.

Praising the work showcased, but echoing the Commissioners call for sustainable funding, the MP said:

“The work that is being done, across Northumbria by Kim as the Labour Police and Crime Commissioner is fantastic. Kim’s focus on preventing crime, and its causes in conjunction with organisations showcases why these services are so important.

“This Conservative Government’s cuts have done huge damage to community policing across the country, putting safety at risk, whilst their cuts to youth services have been devastating.

“In the face of this challenge Kim is doing important work with the community and local police to inspire young people and divert them from a life of crime.”

Labours shadow minister also had the opportunity to receive a tour of NUCASTLE, the soon to be new home of Newcastle United Foundation (NUF), one of the organisations currently being funded by the Commissioner to improve the lives of vulnerable young people.

While visiting the new site, the MP was introduced to a participant from the Foundation’s YOLO programme, a youth mentoring scheme delivered by NUF that sees staff work one on one with young people in a bid to prevent them falling into a life of crime.

The flagship programme, which supports those young people who may otherwise become involved in serious violence, County Lines or other types of offending, is a partnership between the Commissioner, Northumbria Police and the regions two Football Foundations – Newcastle & Sunderland.

–ENDS—

An anti-social behaviour busting partnership with engagement at its core has been shortlisted for two prestigious awards.

Project Vita, a joint initiative between Northumbria Police and North Tyneside Council sprang into life in early 2020 with the aim of steering youth away from trouble and offering them confidence boosting opportunities to build life skills, while reducing ASB in the areas of Wallsend and Howden.

A key focus for the project is to engage with young people who are out in the community gathering in large numbers and perceived to be ‘intimidating’, approach those groups and start to build dialogue to find out what they are doing, why they are there and what and what they would like to see provided for young people.

These engagements also provide opportunities to identify any vulnerable young people to be able to offer support and advice at the earliest opportunity.

The project also received generous funding to the tune of £130,000 from Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness.

Half of the grant was used to convert unused space in a council customer contact centre in Wallsend into a base for local police, youth workers and community protection officers to work from.

The neighbourhood policing team moved  from their headquarters on the outskirts of town to the base early this year and have praised the multi-partnership approach.

And, the other half of the funding is being channelled into projects to reduce youth-related crime and ASB with teams providing more out-of-hours and weekend outreach support in the community.

Just 18 months on, the project has now been shortlisted by the Association of Public Service Excellence (APSE) for two awards – Best Community and Neighbourhood Initiative and Best Collaborative working Initiative.

Judges will make a decision on the national winners later this month.

The Local Government Association have also highlighted the project as a model of best practice.

Inspector Tom Hart who leads the neighbourhood policing team, said: “The move to Wallsend town centre and working side-by-side with colleagues from the council has seen a huge change to how we can engage with the community and in particular the area’s young adults.

“That joined up approach to tackling youth disorder means there’s more emphasis on not just curbing ASB but understanding the root causes and how we can change attitudes, all while reaching out to some of the most vulnerable children in the area.

He added: “It’s great to see that the project has been shortlisted for two awards and recognised nationally by the Local Government Association.”

Feedback from the teens revealed they wanted to have a safe space to meet up with friends and have that space to just hang out.

A suitable community venue was identified and opened out of normal hours so that there was an area exclusively for young.

The pandemic unfortunately saw a stop to the drop in sessions but there are plans in place for them to return.

Councillor Carole Burdis, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Engagement at North Tyneside Council, said: “The success of this initiative so far is down to the hard work and dedication of our community protection staff, the police and other community partners.

“Together, we are working to tackle antisocial behaviour at the root, and engaging with young people to help them understand the consequence of their actions and make more positive decisions in future.

“North Tyneside is one of the safest place in the country to live, work and visit, and initiatives such as Project Vita play a big part in maintaining that. I am very proud of everyone involved in the project for being shortlisted and I wish them further success in the awards.”

Police and Crime Commissioner McGuinness added: “Tackling ASB is a priority for local residents and it is a priority for me. There is still much work to be done to make sure everyone feels at ease in their neighbourhood, but with projects such as this we are showing that change can happen.

“I’m grateful to Northumbria Police and others for the hard work they have put in to make this scheme a success.

“As your police commissioner I am committing to supporting our police to fight crime and working with others to prevent crime, and a key part if that is talking to young people and telling them there is an alternative available if they want to work with us.”