Charity Crimestoppers has launched a new campaign appealing for information about the dangerous use of off-road motorbikes across Northumberland and Tyne & Wear.

Riding off-road motorbikes in public open spaces is illegal. They often cause significant damage by scarring green spaces, damaging property and other vehicles in the process. Riders also put themselves and other people’s lives in danger.

This new campaign, funded by the Northumbria Police & Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, encourages local communities to give information to Crimestoppers 100% anonymously, with the aim of helping to make our local streets safer.

To pass on information about the illegal use of off-road motorbikes completely anonymously, visit the Crimestoppers website (Crimestoppers-uk.org). You can fill in a safe and secure form or you can call the 24/7 UK-based Contact Centre on 0800 555 111. Young people can also report crime via the charity’s youth service website Fearless.org.

Help to keep our communities safe and tell us what you know about off-road motorbikes being used illegally. Useful information includes:
• The exact location, date and time the bike/s were seen
• Anything distinctive: colour, make, number plate details
• Where they are stored
• Who is riding them illegally and what they were wearing
• The names of those responsible for causing criminal damage or putting the public and themselves in danger.

Fleur Brown, North East Regional Manager at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “There are rising concerns over the illegal use of off-road motorbikes. Complaints often centre around these bikes being a threat to the public as they are ridden recklessly in residential areas, town centres, on pavements, green spaces as well as along beaches – with riders having no concern for their own safety or that of the public.

“Please help to keep our communities safe. Tell our charity anonymously who is involved in riding off-road bikes illegally, putting their and others’ lives at risk and damaging property and the environment. You may think that what you know is insignificant, but it may be a crucial bit of information that’s needed. Please tell us what you know and you will remain 100% anonymous.

“We understand that for many, it takes a lot of courage to go online or pick up the phone to pass on what you know. However, by taking that step of contacting Crimestoppers, you are helping to make our communities a safer place.”
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “This campaign is the latest effort in a raft of work we are delivering in the North East to crack down on motorbike related anti-social behaviour. From investing in drones in the skies to running highly successful policing operations, we are pulling out all the stops to tackle this issue head on.

“Now, with the help of Crimestoppers, we are turning efforts to asking the public for help – any information, big or small, could be crucial to catching offenders and freeing our communities of this behaviour that’s both a nuisance and incredibly dangerous. I know motorbike disorder is a real concern for some of our residents and this campaign is an opportunity for people, who perhaps don’t want to report to the police or want to remain anonymous, to come forward and do their bit to help fight and prevent this crime in their area.”

Please note: With Crimestoppers-uk.org and Fearless.org, computer IP addresses are never traced and no-one will ever know you contacted them. For telephone calls to Crimestoppers via 0800 555 111, there is no caller line display, no 1471 facility and calls have never been traced.

The need to tackle serious violence remains a key priority, with the new strategy setting out a long-term united approach to addressing the root causes of violence, and making communities safer.

With Newcastle already having seen a 1.5% reduction in serious violence over the last 12 months, and other areas starting to show signs of increases slowing down, the 5-year plan aims to continue building on the work in preventing violent crime.

Earlier this year, the introduction of the Serious Violence Duty placed an expectation for local authorities and services to work together to prevent and reduce serious violence.

This led to the development of the Northumbria Response Strategy following a series of consultations to understand local priorities around serious violence, and how it can be prevented.

Through this partnership approach, it has led to the development of five key priorities:

1. Creating stronger systems by bringing together partners from a broad range of backgrounds, and taking a public health approach to tackling serious violence, with improved services and support for communities.
2. The use of data and intelligence which is critical to understanding the nature of serious violence, enabling resources to be targeted in areas most in need of action.
3. Prevention and early intervention activity provides a greater chance of improving the lives of the most vulnerable individuals and communities, as well as reaching them at the earliest point.
4. Enforcement remains a crucial element in combatting serious violence by enabling the force to pursue, disrupt and prosecute violent offenders.
5. Supporting communities in understanding the impact and consequences of serious violence, and enabling them to be part of the solution in making local areas safer for everyone.

The strategy, approved at a recent board chaired by Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness, focuses on educating young people at the earliest point, identifying individuals causing the most disruption to local areas, reducing the risks for communities, and ensuring intensive intervention is in place to challenge and change behaviour.

Produced by a range of partners, the local plan brings together the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit, Northumbria Police, Local Authorities, Fire Services, Health and Probation, all with a shared commitment to addressing the causes and impact of serious violence.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness said: “We are starting to see signs of violence levels slowing but there is still so much more to be done. This isn’t just about quick fixes – it’s about fostering long-term solutions that address the root causes of violence. We all have a crucial role to play, which is why this strategy brings together a range of partners, all with an unwavering commitment to preventing violent crime.”

“Through the Violence Reduction Unit we will continue to reach the most vulnerable individuals at the earliest point, and ensuring they have the knowledge needed to make positive choices. With a range of targeted initiatives, we will work alongside partners to identify violent offenders, engaging them in interventions to address their behaviour and prevent reoffending. However, where offenders choose not to engage, I want them to know that enforcement action will be taken.”

She added: “With this partnership approach and the priorities we have set out, we will continue to do all we can to tackle serious violence, and make communities safer.”

For more information, and to view the full Northumbria Response Strategy, visit the Violence Reduction Unit website.

A local partnership has launched a new programme supporting people in Newcastle who are worried about their behaviour towards a partner or ex-partner. 

The Make a Change programme helps people concerned that they are hurting, scaring or controlling their partner to change their behaviour. Newcastle is the latest area to roll out the service, which is already available in Durham and Sunderland. Anyone can get in touch to ask for non-judgemental, free support, for themselves or someone else. 

In Newcastle, Make a Change is provided by local charities Harbour and Changing Lives. The programme was developed by domestic abuse charities Respect and Women’s Aid Federation of England, and is funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria, in partnership with Newcastle City Council. 

Participants will be supported by Harbour’s expert support workers to understand the impact of their harmful behaviour, to make positive changes and develop healthy relationships.  

Lesley Hill, Make a Change Coordinator at Harbour, said: “This programme gives people who are worried about their behaviour a chance to get help to change as soon as possible. It’s somewhere they can learn about the effects harmful behaviour can have on the whole family and improve relationships with past, current or future partners. I’ve been part of delivering the programme in Durham and I’ve seen first-hand the difference it makes.” 

One man who completed the programme said: “Make a Change has made huge changes to me and my family’s life. It’s given me hope. I can go forward understanding my boundaries and actions and the effect that they have on the ones around me. The tools I have gained are invaluable.” 

Another central part of the programme is that partners and ex-partners of people taking part will be offered separate, confidential support by Changing Lives. This helps to identify the issues that are being experienced and improve safety and wellbeing. 

Laura McIntyre, Head of Operational Services at Changing Lives, said: “We’re excited to partner with Harbour to offer another route to support for people in Newcastle. The way that the programme helps people at an early stage will mean we can reach more people experiencing harm from a partner or ex-partner and help them make the choices that are right for them.” 

A woman whose partner completed the programme in another area said: “The most important thing was being heard. The support helped me realise how bad things had got. My support worker was absolutely wonderful and I can’t praise her enough.” 

As well as working directly with people who are worried about their behaviour, and their partners and ex-partners, Make a Change offers support to the wider community to help people who have concerns about someone else’s relationship. Local organisations and professionals can join free training to understand harmful behaviour in relationships, learn how to spot the signs and approach the issue safely and effectively. Harbour’s support services will also offer wider help and alternative programmes for people who require different or more complex support. 

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “It’s fantastic we’re bringing the Make a Change programme to Newcastle and that we’re really growing its presence here in the North East so we can improve lives. Getting in there with the right response at the earliest opportunity before someone’s harmful behaviours continue and get worse is what this support is all about.  

“It provides people causing harm with the help they need to change by recognising and understanding the extent of the damage their behaviours have on their partner or ex-partner, and not forgetting the children too. It really is about prevention. With this work comes community and staff awareness raising too so everyone can play their part in spotting signs and shining a light on harmful behaviours as soon as possible and helping make a change.” 

Cllr Paula Maines, Cabinet Member for a Resilient City, Newcastle City Council said: “I am proud that we are partnering with the Make a Change programme. It is a very positive step for Newcastle and shows our commitment to reducing the impact of people using harmful behaviour, on both adults and children, by tackling it at the root cause. This initiative is key to identifying and engaging with those individuals causing harm and helping them to understand, identify and reflect on harmful norms, behaviours and dynamics in their own lives.” 

For more information, or if you are worried about you or your partner’s behaviour and want some support, call 03000 20 25 25, email info@myharbour.org.uk or visit the Make a Change website at www.makeachange.uk.net.  

The videos reinforce the notion that if you are seen to be involved in an incident of violent crime, you could be considered as equally guilty as the person who committed it, and convicted under Joint Enterprise.

Created in collaboration with young people, the videos are the latest addition to the Violence Reduction Unit’s Knives Impact Everyone campaign, released last summer, to raise awareness of the impact and consequences of knife crime.

Set out to provide a clear understanding of Joint Enterprise and to demystify this complex topic, both videos show a group of young people describing how an incident involving a knife can have a devastating impact on so many, as well as leading to lengthy sentences for those involved.

With young people stating that they are not fully aware of Joint Enterprise, it led the Violence Reduction Unit to commission Northern Stage, a theatre production company in Newcastle, to produce the videos alongside young people.

A series of workshops took place where young people from schools in Newcastle, as well as those with lived experience, were able to provide their thoughts and views to inform the content and style of the videos.

Now available to primary and secondary school settings, the videos are a vital resource in the Violence Reduction Unit’s Education Team toolkit, where learning around the impact and consequences of knife crime, and a range of other serious violence topics, are delivered to thousands of young people all year round.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness said: “Carrying a knife is never the right choice – that’s what these videos are all about. They are a crucial resource, helping young people understand the impact and consequences of knife crime. Often, young people tell us that they don’t really understand the implications of Joint Enterprise, so education really is key here.”

“Through the Violence Reduction Unit’s dedicated education team offering a whole programme of learning activity, to videos like this made all the more powerful by hearing directly from young people, and through information provided in our Knives Impact Everyone campaign, we aim to breakdown complex topics and help young people make informed choices.”

“Sadly, our region has experienced the devastation of knife crime, but I don’t want to see another life lost to this horrific crime. That’s why through the Violence Reduction Unit, Northumbria Police and partners, we will continue to do everything we can to tackle serious violence, get ahead of issues faced by communities and educate our young people to divert them from crime.”

She added: “So, if you work with young people or feel your school could benefit from learning around topics such as knife crime, get in touch with the Violence Reduction Unit. My thanks go to everyone involved in the production of these videos, which are a very useful resource.”

Kate Denby, Executive Director at Northern Stage, said: “Our team worked closely with young people impacted by knife crime and joint enterprise, and with our partners at Meerkat Films and writer Lydia Marchant, to create these moving short films. They perfectly demonstrate the power of arts and creativity to reach young people and communicate important issues in an accessible and impactful way. Empowering young people and giving them the tools to make informed choice is central to the work of Northern Stage, and this project will, I’m sure, make a real difference to our community.”

For more information about the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit and to view the new videos, visit the website.

ENDS

Knives Impact Everyone – one mum’s message to school kids as the Knife Angel comes to Sunderland this summer

Tanya and Simon Brown will be sharing their heart-breaking story of losing their son, Connor, to knife crime as part of school visits to the Knife Angel when it comes to Sunderland this June.

Plans are underway for Connor’s parents – who set up The Connor Brown Trust – to reach as many Wearside students as possible with their powerful anti-knife crime workshops. They will be pushing the region’s Knives Impact Everyone Campaign to young audiences to steer them away from ever choosing to pick up a knife.

The sessions will involve Tanya talking about what happened, how it’s changed her life forever and where people can go for help and advice if they or someone they know is carrying a knife.

A programme of youth sport and music activities is also being devised to help engage with young people around making positive choices.

The Connor Brown Trust has been working closely with Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness and Sunderland City Council to bring the powerful sculpture to the city – which will be located at Keel Square in June 2024.

During its time in the city, it is hoped it will be visited by thousands and will encourage open conversations around the dangers of carrying bladed weapons, and the potential consequences for individuals, families, and entire communities.

It is not the first time the Knife Angel has visited the region. In February 2020, the emotive figure stood tall on Gateshead’s quayside at Performance Square, outside what is now called The Glasshouse.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness said: “Anyone who has already seen the knife angel knows how powerful it is. When we brought it to Gateshead a few years ago people were really taken aback by it – it sends shivers – it really makes you think – and that’s the idea.

“It’s there to make a statement. It represents lives lost and the need for change – knife violence has to stop.

“The Connor Brown Trust do such amazing work to turning their unimaginable experience into such good. I am so grateful to them for being such a driving force for getting the Angel to Sunderland and all the educational work they’re going to be delivering alongside this.”

Tanya Brown from The Connor Brown Trust, who has just been shortlisted for the Northern Power Women Awards’ Person with Purpose award, said:

“We as a family are really looking forward to the Knife Angel’s visit to Sunderland as it gives us a chance to reflect on our own grief and loss of Connor.

“We set about bringing this project to life in the very early stages of us setting up the Trust. This was after visiting the sculpture in Middlesbrough 2019 and then being invited by Samantha’s Legacy to the official launch of the Angel in Gateshead in 2020. It is such a poignant piece that now so many can resonate with. It does leave you feeling waves of emotions that have an impact on you and that is one of the key messages we want to get out to everyone, knife crime does impact on everyone.”

Councillor Graeme Miller, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “No parent should ever have to go through what Tanya and Simon went through when they lost Connor to knife crime.

“That they have been able to channel their grief into the force for good that is the Connor Brown Trust is nothing short of remarkable. I hope that their powerful story touches the lives of all those visiting the Knife Angel and attending the workshops in Sunderland this summer.

“If this makes even one young person think twice about carrying a knife or sparks a conversation among a group of young people about the devastating consequences of knife crime, then the Knife Angel’s visit will have been well worthwhile.”

On behalf of the British Ironwork Centre, Artist Alfie Bradley created the knife angel out of blades handed in during amnesties held by police forces across the country.

ENDS

FOOTBALL fans from across Tyne and Wear put football rivalry and scorelines to one side, to show their support for the region’s Knives Impact Everyone campaign.

Committed to fighting back against knife crime, local charities Samantha’s Legacy and The Connor Brown Trust were invited to the pitch ahead of kick off alongside Northumbria’s Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness and the Violence Reduction Unit, to get their powerful anti-knife message in front of thousands of derby day fans.

As a result of this, the campaign received huge waves of support across social media with fan groups like Newcastle United Supporters Club and the Red and White Army who have proudly given their backing to the knife crime prevention cause.

In what was a moving moment in front of the crowds, the families held up campaign graphics showing emotionally charged phone screen shots of undelivered messages to illustrate heart-breaking reality of knife crime. The hard-hitting campaign also lit up digital advertising stands at the Stadium of Light during Saturday’s FA cup match, with the words “Knife crime cuts deep. Whether you’re carrying a knife or you’re a victim of knife crime, the consequences impact everyone; family, friends, emergency services and communities.”

Police Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “It doesn’t get much bigger for the North East than a Tyne and Wear derby so to give the campaign this platform has felt a really momentous occasion. We’re so proud of football in our region and I’m proud of how the clubs are coming together to highlight how knife crime can impact so many lives. Getting in front of so many to highlight our campaign is a result in itself. I can’t thank the families of Samantha Madgin and Connor Brown enough. As well as the clubs for helping us bring plans to life, and of course the fans for joining us to champion this cause. Historic rivalry aside, hearing the crowds cheer backing this important work is what it’s all about.”

Greg Tomlinson, Chair, Newcastle United Supporters Trust: “There are some things that are more important than black and white or red and white believe it or not and this is one of them. The consequences of knife crime impact everyone, leaving mates without their friends and devastating families and communities. As football supporters, and as a community, we stand together to support this vital work against knife crime.”

Tanya Brown, the mother of knife victim Connor Brown – a football lover and proud Sunderland fan said: “We would like to add how much we appreciate being asked to be involved in this fantastic initiative. This is very close to our hearts as a family, and Connor was very passionate about football, as are many others. This opportunity gives us the ability to highlight the importance of the Knives Impact Everyone campaign in such a big way. We can reach so many more people raising the awareness of Knife Crime and the impact it has on everyone.”

The Knives Impact Everyone campaign was launched in 2023, by Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness and the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit, to highlight the devastating consequences carrying a knife can have, as well as sign-posting people to support and advice. As part of this work, Northumbria’s VRU funds projects at both Newcastle United Foundation and the Foundation Light, with the YOLO initiative aimed at steering young people away from knife crime, whilst also creating a range of opportunities and support to help young people make positive life choices away from crime.

Information about the campaign can be found here: Knives Impact Everyone – Northumbria PCC (northumbria-pcc.gov.uk)