In a bid to put an end to violent crime, Sunderland City Centre will become the first to benefit from a new team clamping down on known offenders, thanks to funding from the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit.
This comes as a last chance for those causing significant harm in the city centre, where anti-social behaviour has escalated into violent crime.
The team have hit the ground running with the first cohort of young people identified, including those who have been attributing to the rise in serious violence in the city centre, leaving a negative impact on residents, businesses and communities.
Those identified will receive intensive intervention from the violence reduction team to deter them from crime, and where they do not engage, a range of enforcement actions will be taken, along with the support of uniformed officers, to provide some much needed respite for the city.
Based at a city centre location, the new team will disrupt violent crime by bringing together dedicated officers from Northumbria Police, Sunderland City Council ASB officers, neighbourhood wardens, and key specialists for drugs and alcohol as well as environmental services.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness said: “Our city centres are something to be proud of, they offer us everything we need on our doorstep. But, we also want them to be a safe place to live, work and visit – there is no place for violent crime. This new initiative, funded by the Violence Reduction Unit, offers a last chance opportunity for individuals causing serious harm in the city centre, and our message to them is clear – engage or there will be significant consequences.”
She added: “We all have a right to feel safe, and I hope that this increased action and presence in the area will provide some reassurance to residents and businesses that we will continue to do all we can to prevent crime from happening.”
For more information, please contact the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit by email vru@northumbria-pcc.gov.uk
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