That’s the message from Commissioner McGuinness as part of her response to the Department of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s inquiry into domestic abuse support provisions.

The inquiry is seeking views on the future delivery of support to victims and their children in accommodation-based domestic abuse services, such as refuges.

The consultation proposes a new, Government–led approach to ensure more consistent, high quality provision across the country.

Responding to the consultation, Commissioner McGuinness, said: “Of course we need to ‘think big’ but when it comes to truly meeting the needs of victims we often need to ‘think small’ too. Large-scale, generic support services can be less flexible and responsive than smaller, specialist services and can marginalise the needs of more remote, harder to reach communities, where victims are most likely to have nowhere to turn.

“Whoever you are, wherever you are – no one should have to suffer this awful crime but for those suffering at the hands of abusers in rural communities support services can seem so far out of reach. And this can play into the hands of the abuser enabling them to exploit the isolation of the victim and making it even harder for them to leave.”

Commissioner McGuinness added: “Only last month research by the National Rural Crime Network revealed that rural victims were half as likely to report their abuse and experienced abuse for 25 per cent longer than victims living in our cities. There is no getting away from the fact that Northumbria has such vast rural areas and these are numbers that cannot and must not be ignored.

“Meeting the needs of rural victims of domestic abuse must therefore be prioritised in the government’s current proposal to introduce a new statutory duty to provide support for local victims alongside other groups that similarly experience difficulties either accessing or gaining benefit from current services.”

The Commissioner’s office funds various projects to support victims of rural domestic abuse including Northumberland Domestic Abuse Service (NDAS), and Cygnus Support.

If you’ve been affected by domestic abuse and need support or information, call Victims First Northumbria on 0800 011 3116.

A national report released today (Monday), revealed how residents in Northumbria continue to be amongst those least affected by rural crime but we aren’t complacent.

Commissioner McGuinness said “One rural crime is one too many, whether it be the theft of a tractor or stealing livestock, if it’s happening we must do all we can to stop it.  I want our police officers to continue working with our partners to ensure we do all we can to support those who live or work in our rural communities”.

Commissioner McGuinness added “Crimes impacting on our rural areas will not be tolerated here in Northumbria and we will do all we can to make sure victims feel heard and supported.”

National Agricultural Machinery Crime Lead, Superintendent Andy Huddleston, said how it is important to remain proactive in policing rural crime to ensure communities are protected.

He said: “Whilst the figures represent the hard work carried out across Northumbria, the fight against rural crime is still as important as ever.

“We are not complacent and have regular proactive initiatives to tackle rural crime, including tackling organised criminal groups, FarmWatch schemes, Operation Checkpoint initiatives and speaking with residents and community groups to promote crime prevention and how to securely store and tag property.

“Tacking rural crime is not just about putting offenders before a court, it is about working closely with manufacturers, retailers, insurers and national bodies such as the NFU Mutal to improve security and help prevent crime.

“It is important communities feel protected and supported and we urge residents and partners to report anything suspicious to police. We’re committed to tackling rural crime across our force area.”

To read the full report please click here: Fighting The Rise In Countryside Crime

Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness has visited Victims First Northumbria (VFN) to meet the staff who provide support to victims of crime across the region.

Commissioner McGuinness attended the charity’s headquarters in Wallsend yesterday (Thursday) for a meet and greet following her election.

The charity has supported tens of thousands of victims across Northumbria, and offers a range of services to help vulnerable people cope and recover from the effects of crime.

During her visit, Commissioner McGuinness was given an insight into VFN’s outstanding daily work and met with the charity’s staff and volunteers who offer expert care and advice to those in need.

Commissioner McGuinness said: “It was inspiring to see the passion and dedication of VFN’s staff and volunteers who continue to make a huge difference to victims of crime across Northumbria.

“We are committed to putting victims at the heart of everything we do, so it’s crucial that we work hand-in-hand with VFN to ensure those individuals are given the best possible support, care and advice.

“What really jumped out on the day was the warmth that everyone showed. It was a pleasure to meet everyone, and I look forward to building on this fantastic relationship in the weeks and months to come.”

Ruth Parker, Chief Executive of Victims First Northumbria, said: “It is fantastic to receive continued funding from the Northumbria PCC through The Supporting Victims Fund. This enables VFN to support victims and those who are most vulnerable within the Northumbria force area. The whole team were delighted to welcome Commissioner McGuiness who shared our passion to support victims. We are looking forward to working with her in the future.”

If you are a victim of crime and want independent advice and support then contact Victims First Northumbria on 0800 011 3116 or visit their website.

A brave police officer has been praised by the region’s top cop after she wrestled with a gang of armed thieves – while off-duty in a sun dress and sandals.

Tracy Cook was visiting relatives with two of her young children as the sun shone in the Newbiggin Hall area of Newcastle on Sunday, July 21.

But she became suspicious after spotting a young man riding a motorcycle without the engine on, a sign that it could be stolen.

Tracy called the control room and provided the registration number of the vehicle, with the call handler confirming it was stolen.

She asked her children to wait at the top of the road after finding the man trying to hot wire the vehicle on a path just off Saint Buryan Crescent.

Upon seeing her he fled the scene but within minutes he had returned with two other men who had hoods covering their face.

The gang threatened her with ammonia but Tracy, who was wearing a sun dress and sandals, grasped onto the motorcycle and pushed it towards the main road.

She was followed by the men and was kicked and punched in a bid to steal the bike – but the neighbourhood bobby refused to let go.

Tracy tried to call for help as she wrestled with the man in the middle of the street at which point residents rushed out of their houses and the gang fled.

Officers arrived on scene and within minutes had arrested a suspect in connection with the incident. Two other men were arrested a short time later.

Now Northumbria Police’s Chief Constable, Winton Keenen, has praised Tracy for her bravery and last week presented her with a certificate recognising her actions.

The mother-of-three, who works as a neighbourhood officer in the east end of Newcastle, today (Friday) said she “felt it was my duty” to step in and take action.

She said: “At one point the lad ran towards me and tried to get the bike off me, he tried to kick me and said he was going to stab me.

“He started to shout to his mates to ‘get the ammonia’ so I put the bike on its side to try and make it more difficult for him to steal, whilst trying to fight him off with one hand.

“When the male threatened to stab me and squirt ammonia in my face, I genuinely feared for my life in that moment.

“I feel really proud of my actions but I did feel a bit lost without my baton and my vest.

“All I could think was that this is some poor person’s pride and joy and I wasn’t going to let them have it. I’m a cop at the end of the day and I felt it was my duty.”

Tracy was presented with a Commendation by Chief Constable Keenen at Force Headquarters last week and he said the officer went above and beyond.

He said: “Our officers and staff do amazing things every single day to protect vulnerable victims of crime and identify offenders.

“I am always blown away by how far they will go to protect their local communities and so, in many ways, I wasn’t surprised when I heard Tracy’s story.

“She has demonstrated tremendous courage and was determined to not let these men get away with a bike that she believed to be stolen.

“She talks about how that bike would have been someone’s pride and joy and that is the kind of attitude that makes her such a brilliant police officer.”

Chief Constable Keenen presented Tracey with the commendation at Middle Engine Lane Police station last week and spoke to her about what happened.

Her family were also given free tickets to go and watch the Newcastle Eagles after they were donated by the Eagles Community Foundation.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness added: “I am still getting to know the Force but every single day I am hearing more acts of incredible bravery.

“This must have been a terrifying experience for Tracy but she has demonstrated the courage and determination that is knitted in to the fibre of this organisation.

“I was filled with pride when I heard her story and I am delighted that she is getting the recognition she deserves.”

An investigation into the theft of the motorcycle is ongoing and the three suspects were released under investigation after being arrested.

Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness has today written to the Prime Minister urging him to put a new police funding formula in place that reverses austerity and hands the force the funding it needs to bring down rising crime levels.

Since 2010 Northumbria Police has seen more than 31% of its budget cut, with the force left with 1000 fewer officers as a result.  

Commissioner McGuinness said she wants the force to be given the resources it needs to put more officers on patrol and in neighbourhoods as part of her commitment to tackle both rising crime rates and the causes of crime.

Commissioner McGuinness said:  “Austerity has hit our communities and it has hit our police force and today I have told the prime minister that enough is enough. My message is clear, we need the funding not just to reverse police cuts but also to allow us to take a bold new  public health approach to tackle the causes of crime, an approach which has been seen to work so successfully elsewhere”

The Commissioner added: “The ball is firmly in the new Prime Minister’s court. He needs to get serious about backing our police.  Residents across the force area have made clear they want to see crime come down. The PM must show he is prepared to stand by them and our police.”

Police and Crime Commissioners from across the country have united to urge the Government to update legislation around the treatment of female detainees held within Police custody.

At present, there is no statutory requirement to provide female detainees with access to a female Police Officer. In addition, there is no requirement for Police Officers to check if female detainees need any menstrual products whilst in Police custody or to make them aware that these will be provided free of charge.

In response to a Home Office consultation, members of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) have come together to demonstrate their backing for changes that would ensure the dignity of menstruating detainees is considered by all Police forces.

APCC Custody Lead and ICVA Chair, PCC Martyn Underhill welcomed this support from colleagues across the country, saying: “This issue has united Police and Crime Commissioners and will hopefully bring about what we consider to be long-overdue changes to legislation that fails to recognise the needs of female detainees. The number of signatures attached to our response is clear evidence of support for these reforms and we hope the changes are accepted and brought about at speed.”

APCC Victims Lead, Dame Vera Baird QC said: “Action was needed to protect the dignity of women and girls having their period in police custody and now together with our partners, we are starting to see a much-needed change. We need to see an immediate review of policy across the country. Women in this situation should be treated with the respect, sensitivity and the dignity they deserve.

“I’m pleased that in Northumbria we have taken great strides forward with regards to the support of women in custody and have ensured that ‘hygiene packs’ are routinely offered to women on arrival in custody and in addition available on request.”

Katie Kempen, Chief Executive, Independent Custody Visiting Association said: “Female detainees have had to suffer through humiliating experiences, poor products and face barriers to basic needs like being able to keep clean. These detainees often have complex needs and cannot ask for menstrual products in what’s very often a male-dominated environment.  This treatment is wholly unacceptable and has no place in 21st century policing.  The reforms to the PACE Codes embed dignity and require police forces to overcome the taboo of menstruation to deliver what should have already been in place.

“I am delighted that Police and Crime Commissioners, alongside other partners, have come out in such numbers to demonstrate strength of feeling and support for the reforms.  This acknowledges the vital work of independent custody visitors and the essential role they perform to safeguard dignity and human rights in police custody.  The support is overwhelming and underlines the need for change.  We will continue to work with PCCs to monitor the reforms and ensure that they are successfully implemented.”

Police and Crime Commissioners and other elected local Policing bodies have a statutory duty to make arrangements for detainees to be visited by Independent Custody Visitors from local communities. It is through such arrangements that Commissioners, strongly supported by the Independent Custody Visiting Association, have been able to monitor detainee well-being and come together to help drive moves to improve conditions for individuals in Police custody, including female detainees.

Home Office PACE Codes C and H consultation – APCC Response- 20181001.