NORTHUMBRIA Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness is calling on the people in the North East, particularly women to have their say in the fight against crimes in public spaces like street harassment and violence.

Catching the Metro to work, taking the kids to the beach, walking home from a night out in the city centre – a new online survey aims to understand how safe people feel when going about their daily lives, in our region.

Police and Crime Commissioners have been invited to apply for a Home Office fund specifically aimed at tackling violence against women and girls. And so, Kim McGuinness really wants to hear from local residents about their experiences and what makes them feel uncomfortable or even frightened when they are out and about, day or night.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “Our region, thankfully, is one of the safest but I am more than aware there are still places and situations where people feel unsafe and vulnerable and we need to do something about it.

“The terrible experience of Sarah Everard in London struck a chord with so many women I know and the spotlight is on women’s safety now more than ever, and rightly so. Sarah should have been safe, and she wasn’t.

“So I want people to make the most of this opportunity to speak out and tell me what they think so we can improve safety in our region and improve lives for everyone.

“I want to be in a position where we can deliver some really serious solutions to people’s worries and concerns and we want to hear what could be done to make people feel safer.

“We’re lucky to have some wonderful women’s support networks and organisations in our region doing amazing things to help women feel safe but we can all do more. There might be some practical fixes for some areas like more lighting, CCTV and so on, but I really want us to think about creative ways to improve safety as well as the bigger cultural changes that are needed too. Education around attitudes, values and respect for others has to play a part. And this all ties in with the prevention work we have happening in schools and youth organisations through my Violence Reduction Unit.”

“I am determined to make some real improvements in this area and I am grateful to everyone who feels able to share their thoughts and experiences with me, I do understand it’s not always easy but it will help inform plans to keep our communities safe.”

The survey responses will inform a bid for Home Office cash from the £25m Safer Streets 3 programme. The programme focuses on improving the safety of public spaces, particularly addressing crimes that disproportionately affect women and girls and putting measures in place to make people feel safe when in they are out and about.

The survey was launched today and will run until 21 June. Survey findings will be incorporated into the Safer Streets 3 bids, which have to be submitted by 15 July 2021. The Government is expected to announce successful bids at the end of August.

The survey should take no more than 10 minutes to complete. To take the survey, go to: http://bit.ly/NorthumbriaSSFR3

KIM MCGUINNESS – Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner – has warned that more and more children from the North East are leaving their home region to pursue county lines work in other parts of the UK.

Her concerns were raised following what PCC McGuinness hailed a robust and successful County Lines Intensification Week for the police force which saw 23 arrests made, as part of tough action to fight crime across the region.

County Lines is a form of criminal exploitation where criminals persuade, coerce and force children and young people to store drugs and money or transport them to other areas.

Recently, children as young as 13 have been caught working as drugs runners for criminals operating within our region, with some even relocating to other parts of the UK where County Lines is a bigger problem and there is more work as ‘drugs runners’ on offer.

Last week a large-scale County Lines clampdown resulted in 23 people arrested and seized more than £20,000 in criminal cash.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “Northumbria Police is pulling out all the stops– the raids, the covert operations, they’re doing it all to get on top of this as a region, but fighting this crime is not a job for our officers alone.

“Drug dealing is a dangerous world and we have to stop our young people getting caught up in a cycle of fear and violence. That’s why youth and outreach workers have such a vital part to play in the solution and it pains me that these services have been cut time and time again by Government.

She continued: “As well as searching for the dealers, the search is on for the children they prey on so we can look after them – they are the victims, not the criminals here. It’s a real concern how we are hearing of more and more children getting embroiled in moving drugs for gangs and they’re ending up all over the country.

“We can’t – and won’t let – the North East become a go-to place fore recruiting and exploiting young people. Youth and outreach workers have to be part of the solution more than ever – it’s a no brainer. My Violence Reduction Unit will keep working closely with organisations like Edge North East who reach out to young people in their time of need; they listen, they work with them and help ensure they’re safe. Whatever mess victims find themselves in, with the right support they can get out of it and out of a life of crime.”

Collette Devlin-Smith, from Edge North East, said they had seen an increase in young people becoming involved County Lines over the past few years, not helped by lockdown increasing young people’s vulnerability.

She said: “It’s a big problem you know. Young people often don’t see themselves as victims. They can be completely brainwashed. It’s grooming. There are kids going missing from home and from care all the time. It’s like they get sucked it – more drugs, more rewards, maybe they feel pressured to rise through the ranks of the gangs to survive. But it’s happening to children from our region – we have victims right here on our doorstep – and we often end up finding them far away, far from home. Without support and a place to turn to, to trust for help to get out, it’s frightening to think where they might end up.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Aelfwynn Sampson, who runs Northumbria Police’s Crime department said:

“The ripple effects of this type of criminality are far reaching and can have a significant impact on those involved as well as those living in the communities we serve.

“County Lines is an aggressive, often violent method of drug dealing which relies heavily on the exploitation of the vulnerable and young people, with many of them unaware of what is even happening to them. And this is completely unacceptable.

“As a Force, we are working hard to ensure this appalling practice does not take a hold in our region.

“As well as taking part in national intensification periods, we regularly carry out a range of activity as part of Operation Sentinel which includes targeted strikes and arrests aimed at shutting down the deal lines and pursuing offenders, to working with our partners to ensure vulnerable victims are identified and safeguarded.

“We would ask the public, especially parents, to work with us and report any concerns to help us put a stop to this despicable method of drug dealing.”

KIM MCGUINNESS – Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner – has warned that more and more children from the North East are leaving their home region to pursue county lines work in other parts of the UK.

Her concerns were raised following what PCC McGuinness hailed a robust and successful County Lines Intensification Week for the police force which saw 23 arrests made, as part of tough action to fight crime across the region.

County Lines is a form of criminal exploitation where criminals persuade, coerce and force children and young people to store drugs and money or transport them to other areas.

Recently, children as young as 13 have been caught working as drugs runners for criminals operating within our region, with some even relocating to other parts of the UK where County Lines is a bigger problem and there is more work as ‘drugs runners’ on offer.

Last week a large-scale County Lines clampdown resulted in 23 people arrested and seized more than £20,000 in criminal cash.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “Northumbria Police is pulling out all the stops– the raids, the covert operations, they’re doing it all to get on top of this as a region, but fighting this crime is not a job for our officers alone.

“Drug dealing is a dangerous world and we have to stop our young people getting caught up in a cycle of fear and violence. That’s why youth and outreach workers have such a vital part to play in the solution and it pains me that these services have been cut time and time again by Government.

She continued: “As well as searching for the dealers, the search is on for the children they prey on so we can look after them – they are the victims, not the criminals here. It’s a real concern how we are hearing of more and more children getting embroiled in moving drugs for gangs and they’re ending up all over the country.

“We can’t – and won’t let – the North East become a go-to place fore recruiting and exploiting young people. Youth and outreach workers have to be part of the solution more than ever – it’s a no brainer. My Violence Reduction Unit will keep working closely with organisations like Edge North East who reach out to young people in their time of need; they listen, they work with them and help ensure they’re safe. Whatever mess victims find themselves in, with the right support they can get out of it and out of a life of crime.”

Collette Devlin-Smith, from Edge North East, said they had seen an increase in young people becoming involved County Lines over the past few years, not helped by lockdown increasing young people’s vulnerability.

She said: “It’s a big problem you know. Young people often don’t see themselves as victims. They can be completely brainwashed. It’s grooming. There are kids going missing from home and from care all the time. It’s like they get sucked it – more drugs, more rewards, maybe they feel pressured to rise through the ranks of the gangs to survive. But it’s happening to children from our region – we have victims right here on our doorstep – and we often end up finding them far away, far from home. Without support and a place to turn to, to trust for help to get out, it’s frightening to think where they might end up.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Aelfwynn Sampson, who runs Northumbria Police’s Crime department said:

“The ripple effects of this type of criminality are far reaching and can have a significant impact on those involved as well as those living in the communities we serve.

“County Lines is an aggressive, often violent method of drug dealing which relies heavily on the exploitation of the vulnerable and young people, with many of them unaware of what is even happening to them. And this is completely unacceptable.

“As a Force, we are working hard to ensure this appalling practice does not take a hold in our region.

“As well as taking part in national intensification periods, we regularly carry out a range of activity as part of Operation Sentinel which includes targeted strikes and arrests aimed at shutting down the deal lines and pursuing offenders, to working with our partners to ensure vulnerable victims are identified and safeguarded.

“We would ask the public, especially parents, to work with us and report any concerns to help us put a stop to this despicable method of drug dealing.”

RECKLESS riders would have nowhere to go if all motorbikes were fitted with a tracker device, says Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness, as she calls on Government to urgently introduce new bike laws.

The Commissioner who is working closely with the Chief Constable to tackle residents’ concerns of bike-related antisocial behaviour has said the issue will remain a top priority for the force.

As part of an ongoing crackdown on this type of crime throughout the region, Kim is urging Policing Minister Kit Malthouse to give the green light to allow for tracker devices to be fitted to all motorbikes so their whereabouts and speed can be monitored – a move to deter would-be criminals.

Ms McGuinness believes the trackers would be an impactful tool in the fight against bike crime, would prevent thefts and anti-social behaviour and in turn improve the lives of local people.

A tough range of policing measures are already underway and will be built upon as we head into the summer months. Tactics include hotspot patrols, garage checks, underage petrol test purchases and educational campaigns.

Kim McGuinness, said: “I’m hearing from residents that reckless riding is happening far too often and it’s happening in our parks and residential streets – the very places where people are enjoying walks and families are playing. These are things people should be able to do safely – they shouldn’t have to worry about off-road bikes speeding by and ramping up pavements.”

Officers have been listening to all concerns raised, collating intelligence of where disorder on bikes has been taking place and targeting these areas with a range of tactics.

Kim continued: “This is all part of a big operation happening in response to these concerns and I have requested regular updates from the Chief as it’s something I’ll be keeping a close eye on.

“There have been some positive results lately but I want us to be able to do more. We need to think differently if we are going to put a stop to the problem once and for all and this is where trackers could come in. Our police are confident they could make a real difference.

“It’s important for me to be clear” she added.  “I don’t mean our law-abiding bikers here – I’m talking about trouble-makers, often young people riding un-roadworthy bikes, which in some cases have been stolen.  It’s their own safety that is at risk here too – worryingly there’s a real lack of awareness of the consequences. A tough approach needs to be taken and I fully back our force with this, especially when engagement and education isn’t getting through to those responsible.

“But what I really want is to go a step further and I believe trackers would be a real deterrent. There is a growing sense of momentum in our region to put a stop to this problem. I want to build on this and think Government support to make trackers a real possibility would be a good place to start.”

Councillor Ernest Gibson, Lead Member for Area Management and Community Safety at South Tyneside Council, said: “This type of anti-social behaviour continues to be a real concern for us in South Tyneside where we have seen these off-road bikes being ridden recklessly through our residential areas and churning up our green spaces.

“This not only affects the quality of life for our residents, but there is a danger that someone will get hurt, whether that is a member of the public or the rider themselves.

“Our parks and open spaces have proven to be valuable places for people to get their exercise over a very challenging year and we want them to be safe sites to visit. Any extra measures that can be put in place to tackle the issue of nuisance bikers would be greatly welcomed.”

If you want to send pictures, video or intelligence to the task-force then you can do so by emailing operationbenelli@northumbria.pnn.police.uk.

You can also call 101 and asking to speak to the Operation Benelli team or your local Neighbourhood Team or report information online at the Northumbria Police website.”

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SOUTHWICK RESIDENTS CALLED UPON TO GIVE VIEWS ON POLICING AND CRIME

Following the launch of the new Police and Crime Plan, Kim McGuinness, the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, is now seeking views from local residents in Southwick as part of her ongoing commitment to support local communities.

The Commissioner is inviting residents of Southwick to have their views heard and tell her how they feel policing resources could be best utilised in the area.

Residents are also invited to put their views to the Commissioner in person, as she invites them to join her alongside Northumbria Police and the locally funded SARA project, on the 25^th March via a virtual community event.

Calling on residents to give their views, Kim said: “Communities are at the heart of everything we do – we know the impact a strong, connected community can have, and that is why I want to hear what more we can do to support you.

“As lockdown eases, there are going to be challenges for all of us – this is where local, easy to access services are crucial – and we’ve already started doing this through the SARA project, enabled by funding from my Violence Reduction Unit.

“I want to know how you think we can best fight crime, prevent crime and improve lives in Southwick – your responses to my survey will go a long way to developing our future strategies and plans.”

During the Commissioners recent Police and Crime Plan consultation, local residents highlighted anti-social behaviour and dangerous driving as the two areas they would like to see Northumbria Police prioritise over the next 4 years.

Southwick Ward Councillor Alex Samuels praised the engagement initiative, and encouraged residents to have their voices heard. Cllr Samuels said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Southwick residents to have their say and lead to real change on the important matters of policing and crime.

“Previously residents said they wanted more local services and for them be more accessible, and this has been delivered through the SARA project supported by the Commissioner’s office – a clear example of where a community voice has led to change. 

“I encourage all Southwick residents to get involved, complete the survey and take the Commissioner up on her offer of a community event – let’s show how proud of our area we are, and get the best outcomes for all residents.”

Residents can give their views and have their say via an online survey – https://bit.ly/SouthwickPCCSurvey21 – which is open until Wednesday 24^th March.

Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness is on the lookout for dog-loving volunteers to help ensure police and fire service dogs are being treated correctly.

Volunteers will make unannounced visits to kennels to observe, comment and report on the conditions that Northumbria Police and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service dogs are housed. They’ll also view outdoor dog training sessions.

It’s part of Kim McGuinness’ new Police Dog Welfare Scheme which will check the welfare of dogs in Northumbria Police and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.

Kim said: “Police dogs are a hugely valuable part of our police family here in Northumbria, communities know the value they bring to policing and the fire service and the support they give to police officers and fire fighters.

“My role as Police and Crime Commissioner is to hold Northumbria Police to account on behalf of the public and ensure all of their departments are performing to a high standard, including the police dogs. As we work closely with the Fire Service, we have been able to extend the welfare checks to the fire service dogs.

“The welfare of our dogs is of paramount importance and it’s important that we have independent checks in place to ensure animal welfare standards are robustly maintained. The Dog Welfare Visitors will act as ‘critical friends’ providing me with independent and invaluable feedback to ensure our dogs are properly cared for, happy and their working conditions are acceptable.

“I know there will be many local residents with the experience of animal welfare to support this exciting scheme. Our Dog Welfare Visiting Scheme has been established with advice from the brilliant Dogs Trust. The visitors will make a real difference, their feedback will deliver change.”

Superintendent Sam Rennison, of Northumbria Police’s Operations Department, said: “The welfare of our police dogs is of paramount importance to us and we work every day to ensure they are looked after.

“They dedicate the majority of their lives to keeping the public safe and have a special bond with their handlers that goes beyond that of just a family pet.
“But we welcome opportunities to have our working practices scrutinised so we can make sure we continue to ensure every animal in our care is being looked after to the highest standards.”

Group Manager Andy Lillford, Head of Resilience at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Our search and rescue dog is a vital member of the team and a true asset to the Service. They help to protect and keep our communities safe, and are trained to work in the most arduous conditions including under collapsed buildings, in confined spaces and working at heights.

“The welfare arrangements of both the animal and the dog handler is of great importance with the handler being highly trained in all areas of dog welfare and animal first aid.

“The working relationship between our search and rescue dog and its handler is second to none. They know each other’s traits, skills and limitations. Our team at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service look forward to playing a key role in the new Police Dog Welfare Scheme and making it a success.”

Interested? Want to know more? Drop us an email with your CV and a few paragraphs about what experience you can bring to the role. Let’s start a conversation and by working together we will make a difference. Email us at enquiries@northumbria-pcc.gov.uk and we’ll be in touch.
Closing date for expressions of interest is 30th April 2021.

Note:
To apply for this volunteer role, you must be over 18 and live or work within the Northumbria Police Force Area. You will need to have access to a car as the kennels are located in shared premises in Durham. All successful applicants will need to undertake vetting clearance.

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