This week, the UK marks Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Awareness Week from Monday 30 June to Sunday 6 July with this year’s them being ‘Making Communities Safer’. During this time, Sunderland City Council are highlighting the success of a key project that’s helping to deliver just that in the city centre.

The Sunderland Altogether Improving Lives (SAIL) project, launched by Sunderland City Council in 2022, continues to make a real difference in the city centre by reducing anti-social behaviour and making the community safety. The project brings together a wide range of partner agencies under one roof to deliver a coordinated, long-term approach to tackling issues that matter to residents, businesses and visitors.

Latest figures show that between June 2024 and May 2025, the city centre has seen major reductions in key issues:

• All ASB is down 32%
• Youth ASB down 20%
• Alcohol Related ASB down 28%

Other types of crime have also seen notable reductions during the same period, including a 22% drop in theft and handling, a 23% decrease in vehicle crime, and a 13% fall in serious youth violence.

SAIL works with many partners including Neighbourhood Enforcement, Housing and Environmental Service areas from within Sunderland City Council together with officers from Northumbria Police, Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit, British Transport Police. And other organisations such as NHS, Gentoo, Wear Recovery Sunderland, Youth Drug and Alcohol Project (YDAP) and Sunderland BID (Business Improvement District).

Councillor Kelly Chequer, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing and Safer Communities, said: “These numbers show the incredibly positive impact the SAIL project has had on our city centre.”

“By working with young people to deter them from committing anti-social behaviour, and reducing overall crime in the city centre, this partnership is helping create a cleaner, safer and more vibrant place.”

“The SAIL project further develops the working relationships between Sunderland City Council, Northumbria Police and Sunderland BID to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in Sunderland.”

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth said: “These are fantastic results, and a powerful example of what can be achieved when we come together with a shared commitment to tackling the issues that matter most to our communities.

SAIL works closely with the businesses in the city centre and Sunderland Business Improvement District (BID).

Chief Executive of Sunderland BID, Sharon Appleby said: “The SAIL project builds on the success of the award-winning SARA project in Southwick and HALO project in Hetton which were set up to work with local communities and help build a sense of ownership and pride in the area at the same time as tackling a range of issues including anti-social and criminal behaviour, environmental crime, unemployment and poor mental health.”

Weapons have been seized and more than 150 arrests made during a dedicated week of action aimed at further tackling knife crime and serious violence in the North East.

As part of Operation Sceptre last month, Northumbria Police officers carried out warrants at addresses across the Force area while also taking part in targeted patrols including weapons sweeps at a number of locations.

A total of 34 knives were seized by officers, with more than 500 – including 17 zombie knives – handed in to surrender bins which are in place at stations across the Force’s area commands.

Among the items either seized by officers or handed in were Samurai swords, machetes and even a set of nunchakus.

Proactive operations with knife arches – used to detect weapons being carried in busy areas including at transport hubs – saw 600 people engaged with. Alongside colleagues at British Transport Police, teams rode the rails on the region’s Metro system to spot any knife crime issues and also pass on safety advice to the public.

Colleagues in the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) meanwhile took part in engagement sessions at schools and colleges to emphasise the dangers of choosing to arm yourself with a weapon. Through this activity, more than 1,000 children received advice from officers.

Superintendent Scott Cowie, of Northumbria Police’s Prevention department, said: “Thanks to the efforts of our officers and staff in our partner agencies, we have been able to seize or have taken in a sizeable number of knives and weapons during this latest Operation Sceptre week of activity.

“We’ve also made a total of 163 arrests across the seven days of targeted activity.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank members of the public right across our communities for their ongoing support as we look to further reduce serious violence in our Force area.

“Please continue to be our eyes and ears and report any suspected criminality so that we can build on our existing intelligence picture and take the appropriate action.

“To those in our communities who are parents and carers, if you do have concerns that the young people you care for are becoming involved in knife crime, please have those understandably difficult conversations warning of the dangers of such activity.

“Together, we can prevent further knife crime incidents and ensure our region remains among the safest to live in the country.” 

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth said: “Whether it’s through fear, pressure or a false sense of protection, the choice to carry a knife can lead to devastating and irreversible consequences, not just for those involved but for family, friends, and entire communities.

“These are great results from Northumbria Police – removing hundreds of dangerous weapons from our streets, making arrests, and disrupting violence before it escalates.

“Just as important is the work taking place to prevent knife crime from happening in the first place. Through the Violence Reduction Unit and local partners, we are engaging young people in awareness sessions, ensuring they are heard, supported, and equipped to make safer, more informed choices.

“This is all part of our year-round commitment to tackling serious violence, with increased activity during initiatives like Operation Sceptre.

“We all have a role to play, whether that’s as parents, friends, teachers, youth workers, or police officers. That means starting early conversations, listening, and offering support when it matters most. Together, we will build safer, stronger communities for everyone.”

Knife surrender bins remain at the following stations:

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

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.

Marking five years since its launch, the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit highlights new figures that show significant progress in preventing and reducing serious violence across the region.

The latest data shows real impact over the last 12 months, with a 5.9% reduction in serious violence, a 5.7% drop in knife-related incidents, and hospital admissions caused by sharp objects are down by 34%.

Established in 2019, the Violence Reduction Unit takes a long-term, public health approach to tackling serious violence, addressing its root causes through early intervention and targeted initiatives.

Over the past year, a range of interventions have been delivered, many of which were co-designed with communities and practitioners to ensure they respond to local needs.

By working closely with partners and local services, these are just some of the initiatives making a real difference:

• Over 34,350 individuals have been engaged by the Education Team, including 11,008 young people who attended dedicated knife crime awareness sessions.
• The Seasonal Violence programme, which increases activity during the popular summer and winter months, delivered a 15% reduction in serious violence and a 28% drop in anti-social behaviour.
• Student Champions provided tailored, one to one support for 166 vulnerable young people, offering guidance to divert them from crime.
• Through the Local Youth Fund, more than 2,400 young people directly benefited from positive activities they helped shape, from awareness films and sports sessions to safe spaces and culture days.
• The recently launched Violence Prevention Ambassadors Programme, trained 166 ambassadors and is engaging a further 500 individuals in the e-learning modules, equipping participants with the tools to spot early warning signs and start vital conversations.

Now, through the Government’s Safer Streets Mission, the Violence Reduction Unit has secured £2.2 million to build on current achievements, and continue delivering initiatives that prevent violence and improve safety in local communities.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth said: “Listening to what matters most to our communities, you told me that tackling serious violence is crucial, which is why I’ve made this vital prevention work a key priority in my police and crime plan.”

“Over the past year, we’ve seen real progress, with reductions in serious violence, knife crime and anti-social behaviour. But we won’t stop here. This isn’t about quick fixes, it’s about creating lasting change. That means continuing to invest in prevention, intervening early, educating and empowering young people, supporting families, and creating positive opportunities that steer individuals away from crime.”

She added: “Through the Violence Reduction Unit, Northumbria Police and our partners, we are committed to ensuring you feel safe, whether out in public places, or in the comfort of your own home. We will continue to listen and adapt our approaches, because for every individual we reach, and every life we help steer away from harm, is another step towards safer streets and stronger communities for everyone.”

Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit Director, Steven Hume, said: “This isn’t just about reducing violent crime, it’s about changing lives for the better. I’m proud of the progress we’re making, but we know that meaningful change doesn’t happen overnight.”

“A long-term public health approach, focusing on prevention and early intervention, is essential, and so are the strong partnerships that we have across Northumbria. We’re starting to see the results of this joined up effort. We know it works but there is more we need to do. We remain committed to working with our partners and communities to tackle the root causes of serious violence.”

For more about the Northumbria Violence Reduction, visit the website or email vru@northumbria-pcc.gov.uk

Almost 600 staff working across the region’s night-time economy have now been trained to recognise signs of vulnerability and exploitation, as part of a growing initiative to improve safety in local areas.

The training is designed to equip staff with the knowledge and skills to recognise when someone may be at risk, and give them the confidence to take action before harm escalates.

Staff from pubs, bars, hotels and student accommodations have taken part in the online sessions, delivered by the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit and supported by officers from Northumbria Police.

The training has been rolled out to bar staff, security personnel, hotel teams, and venue managers, helping them to:

• Identify signs of intoxication, distress or exploitation.
• Spot the warning signs linked to County Lines activity and Modern Day Slavery.
• Safely intervene and take practical steps to a support vulnerable person, including how to keep them safe.

This proactive approach aims to improve safety in the night-time economy by ensuring staff have the tools to intervene early and respond when someone may be at risk of harm.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth said: “Staff working in bars, clubs, and hotels are often the first to spot when something isn’t right, whether that’s a woman who’s been separated from friends, someone showing signs of distress or intoxication, or an individual being targeted by others. We all have a responsibility to look out for each other.”

“This training helps raise awareness of vulnerability and exploitation, but it also empowers staff to act. It helps them understand how to step in safely, where to direct someone for help, and how to play their part in safeguarding those at risk. The more people who can intervene early, the more we can prevent crime from happening in the first place.”

“Everyone has the right to feel safe when enjoying everything our fantastic towns and cities have to offer. That’s why through the Violence Reduction Unit, Northumbria Police and local partners, we’re committed to creating safer streets and stronger communities, and this training is a key part of delivering on that promise.”

This training programme forms part of a wider effort in preventing serious violence across the Northumbria force area, creating safer, stronger communities for everyone.

For more about the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit and the awareness sessions it delivers, visit the website or email vru@northumbria-pcc.gov.uk

The region’s police organisations have teamed up with partners to host a unique event aimed at shining a light on evidence-based practice that reduces the harm caused by serious and organised crime.

The North East Serious and Organised Crime Conference, was an innovative two-day event, that saw key specialists come together to deliver inputs showcasing national and regional examples of success, demonstrating new opportunities, highlighting new threats, and detailing new capabilities that can be utilised to assist in the prevention of serious and organised crime.

Held at the amazing Glow Centre in Aycliffe Business Park, on March 25 and 26, it was led by the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) with the support of Durham Constabulary, Cleveland Police and Northumbria Police.

The Society for Evidence-Based Policing kindly sponsored the event and it also saw all three of the region’s Police and Crime Commissioners attend and show their support, with Susan Dungworth and Joy Allen, introducing speakers throughout both days.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth said: “Criminal networks often prey on the most vulnerable members of our communities, fuelling violence, exploitation, and fear. The impact this has on individuals, families, and communities is devastating – and this has to stop.

“Tackling serious and organised crime is everyone’s responsibility. We all have a role to play, and no single organisation can tackle it alone. That’s what this conference was all about, bringing together experts from across policing, sharing innovative approaches, and highlighting new opportunities.

“This is a relentless fight but one we are absolutely committed to winning. By sharing intelligence, strengthening our partnerships, and focusing on both disruption and prevention, we will continue making it harder for criminals to operate. Together we will create safer, stronger communities for everyone.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Phil Shutt, Head of NEROCU, said: “It was a fantastic event and we’ve had an incredibly positive response from those who attended.

“I want to thank all those who attended the conference and a special thank you to those who delivered a presentation. Everybody engaging with sessions is what made it the success it was.”

The event also had stalls from Cyber and Economic Crime specialists, Tackling Organised Exploitation (TOEX), Northumbria Police’s Trainee Detective Programme that tackles knife crime, and the City of London Police.

DCS Shutt added: “In the North East we are proud of the connected and coherent response we deliver to the threat of serious and organised crime, providing a collaborative whole system approach across the region with our ROCU, three police forces, NCA and all our partners.

“NEROCU plays a pivotal role in connecting local to national delivery, and events like this are crucial in sharing best practice and raising awareness of the latest innovative capabilities available to maintain our momentum in targeting those involved in serious and organised crime and protecting our communities.”

Just four months after its launch, the Violence Prevention Ambassadors Programme has reached a major milestone, training over 100 ambassadors and engaging more than 500 individuals, in the fight against serious violence.

Led by the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit, the initiative is growing rapidly, building a strong network of frontline staff, youth workers, and community leaders equipped with the knowledge and tools to intervene early and prevent violence before it escalates.

With tackling serious violence remaining a top priority across the Northumbria force area, this surge in trained ambassadors reflects a growing commitment to breaking cycles of violence and creating safer communities.

By identifying risk factors early, Violence Prevention Ambassadors can support young people before they are drawn into violence.

The programme’s online training, made up of four interactive modules, offers individuals with crucial insights into:

• Knife Crime Awareness – The causes, consequences, and prevention strategies for Knife Crime, and signposting additional support.
• Joint Enterprise – The legal implications and common misconceptions of group-related criminal activity.
• Gangs and Youth Violence – what gangs are, what they do, the role of women and girls, and the work done to prevent recruitment.
• Hidden Harms – Recognising the impact of parental substance misuse, mental health issues, and domestic abuse, and understanding how to support those affected.

Upon completing the training, participants become Violence Prevention Ambassadors, joining the fast-growing network dedicated to tackling the root causes of serious violence.

To mark this significant milestone, the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit brought together the first cohort of trained ambassadors, recognising their commitment to preventing violence, and encouraging more professionals to take part.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth said: “Tackling serious violence isn’t just about policing, it’s about prevention, education, and empowering those working with young people to intervene at the earliest point. In just four months, we’ve built a network of over 100 Violence Prevention Ambassadors, all committed to keeping young people safe and diverting them away from harm.”

“Becoming an ambassador isn’t just about knowing the facts, it’s about taking action. For every young person reached, every conversation had, and every barrier broken down, this contributes to a future where violence does not define our communities.”

She added: “Please keep spreading the word about this programme. Tell your colleagues, share it with your networks, because imagine the impact we could have if even more people got involved. Together, we can build safer, stronger communities for everyone.”

Steven Hume, Director of the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit said: “The Violence Prevention Ambassadors Programme is part of the wider work of the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit, and our partners, in tackling the root causes of serious violence and diverting people from violent crime. Every ambassador represents a trusted adult who can help support a young person in making safer, more informed choices. The fact we’ve already surpassed 100 trained individuals in just a few months shows the demand for this kind of support. We’re determined to keep growing the network, and I encourage you to sign up.”