Project Shield sees transport ASB fall by 30 per cent

INCIDENTS of anti-social behaviour (ASB) at identified hotspot areas across the Northumbria Police force area have dropped by 30 per cent, figures praised by Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth.

As part of Project Shield, launched by the Police Commissioner, Northumbria Police and partners this summer, officers have been rolling out extra patrols along with councils and transport network partners. Together they have been delivering targeted activity in identified areas of concern, which is making a promising impact.

So far, the project has seen 78 additional police patrols and 1649 partner patrol hours across the transport system which has corresponded with ASB incidents falling from 170 to 119 – a 30 per cent reduction in the first quarter of the project. The number of knife crime incidents also dropped from 3 to 1 which has been welcomed by project leads.

The Commissioner said the project was all about community confidence and driving down crime like anti-social behaviour and serious violence – two areas of heightened public concern given the recent protests and disorder across the region.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth said: “Project Shield is about us all coming together to get officers and partners out there on our public transport network, creating a really visible uniformed presence. As these falling ASB numbers show – the impact has been positive.

“As it happens, in light of recent events relating to disorder and increased fears around racism, having Project Shield operating will no doubt bring added reassurance for people travelling on our public transport. People should be able to get on with their lives and get about our region without fear of abuse or harm. As well as helping people feel reassured it means there is greater resource on hand to catch those responsible for causing misery and harm in our communities too.”

Susan added: “It’s still early days for Project Shield but I know a lot of activity covering engagement, prevention and enforcement has been mapped out for the months ahead to help deliver safer streets and stronger communities.”

Chief Superintendent Barrie Joisce, Northumbria Police’s lead for anti-social behaviour, said: “These figures are positive and testament to the hard work of our officers and those in our partner organisations who undertake the Project Shield patrols within our communities.

“Our transport hubs are busy all year round and we are committed to keeping them as safe and welcoming as possible for frequent users and those who are visiting our fantastic region.

“Although we are making significant headway in further reducing ASB and serious violence in our communities, we have much more activity planned to improve the picture in the coming weeks and months.

“Those intent on carrying out crime in our area should be aware that we will find you and do everything in our power to bring you to justice.

“If you have any concerns over ASB or crime in your area, then please do not hesitate to contact us. This helps to build our ever-growing intelligence picture so that we can take more targeted action.”

Cathy Massarella, Managing Director of Nexus, said: “We’re working hard in partnership with the police and our local authority colleagues to provide greater customer reassurance and reduce anti-social behaviour on Metro and wider public transport network.

“These latest ASB figures show progress and the extra policing we have seen through Operation Shield, and other similar policing operations, has had an impact. Metro is fundamentally a safe transport system and we will continue to work hard to reduce crime and low level disorder hot spots where it occurs.

“This builds on the work that we have already done to improve safety and security, including the roll out of our dedicated security team, new CCTV, body-worn video cameras for frontline teams, and the launch of our new text alert system to allow customers to contact the Metro control room more quickly and more easily.

“Our message remains the same: anyone causing trouble on Metro should think again, as they are likely to get caught and face prosecution through the courts, a fine, and even a ban from using the system.”

Colin Newbury, Operations Director for Stagecoach Bus North East, said: “At Stagecoach North East we are proud to continue our commitment to the partnership and further support the objectives of Project Shield, helping to strengthen the fight against anti-social behaviour on the transport network.

We have previously supported the partnership by employing a dedicated transport safety officer to provide reassurance to the traveling public, along with deploying the Trojan Bus with plain clothed police officers to tackle offenders who are intent on acts of anti-social behaviour. Our combined efforts will allow the partnership to target anti-social behaviour in these hotspots in a proactive way. 

We understand that we all have a role to play in fighting anti-social behaviour in our local communities, and Stagecoach North East will continue to do all it can with Project Shield to support the partnership and Northumbria Police.”

Northumbria Police data shows a quarter of transport ASB incidents are taking place on Fridays which is a key day for Project Shield deployment. Transport related incidents and crimes are those that take place on a bus, metro, or train, at an interchange or bus station, or any damage made to bus shelters.

Project Shield has been developed with funding secured by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. Recent funding secured through Safer Streets has also seen investment in body worn cameras, extra CCTV, lighting reviews and more. In addition to increased patrols, activity has been supported by detached youth work across the transport network.

The transport element of Project Shield has focused on areas including Haymarket, Eldon Square, Meadow Well Metro, South Shields Interchange, Park Lane Interchange and Four Lane Ends.

Overall Hotspot Crime/Incident Count – 2024 – Q1
Categories	April	May	June	Total	Change
ASB Incidents	170	140	119	429	-30%
Knife Crime	3	1	1	5	-66%

ENDS

THE Knife Angel will be leaving Sunderland on Saturday following a closing ceremony on Friday 28^th June. Its departure follows a month-long visit which was teamed up with awareness raising sessions dedicated to fighting knife crime across the Northumbria Police force area.

Its visit to Keel Square in Sunderland was the result of a successful bid by the Connor Brown Trust as part of their ongoing efforts to highlight serious violence and the dangers of carrying a knife.

More than 1,000 students have been educated through thought-provoking workshops delivered by the charity, as part of school visits to see the Angel.

Simon and Tanya from The Connor Brown Trust have been at the Angel every day since its arrival on the 31^st May. They have been sharing their story to visitors, opening up about the loss of their son, Connor, due to knife crime, and the impact it has had on their family and others who have suffered such avoidable loss.

The idea to bring the Angel to Sunderland came after the couple saw the significant engagement achieved when the Angel took residency in Gateshead and Teesside.

The impressive 27-foot-tall statue is created from blades confiscated by the UK’s 43 police forces, including Northumbria Police. It is the work of artist and sculptor Alfie Bradley who was commissioned by the British Ironwork Centre as part of a series of impactful art pieces designed to address national issues.

The project has been supported by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria, Sunderland City Council and Northumbria Police.

Tanya Brown, from The Connor Brown Trust, said: “It’s been an incredible month, we have been through such a range of emotions, particularly now its time here is coming to an end. It’s meant so much to us, as a family, to have the Angel in our city in memory of Connor and the other victims lost because of knives. We’ve reached thousands of young people with the important message that knives impact everyone – victims, families, perpetrators, witnesses and the emergency services too and are grateful for all the support we have had to make all this happen. The Angel has been a powerful focal point to having such important conversations – conversations we all need to keep having – we have to get it through that there is no right time to carry a knife.”

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said: “The Angel’s time here in the city might be coming to an end but the effort and determination to continue fighting knife crime continues. Seeing the region come together this month, supporting the anti-knife message has been incredible. I can’t thank Simon and Tanya enough for their hard work and dedication to not only bringing this to the city but tirelessly working to speak with young people and get the message across through sharing their awful experience.

“No family should have to suffer what they have, and others have, and that’s why we have to put so much effort into working with young people, families, and communities so we are all in the fight against knife crime together. If we work with young people, and support them, we can reduce crime and save lives.”

Peter McIntyre, Executive Director of City Development at Sunderland City Council, said: “Tanya and Simon’s bravery and determination to channel their grief into something positive after losing Connor has been nothing short of remarkable. I have no doubt that their powerful story will have had a lasting impact on all who have heard it while the Knife Angel has been here.

“The city’s ground-breaking SAIL project has worked closely with the Connor Brown Trust in the lead up to and during the Knife Angel’s stay. This has included fundraising with the aim of creating a legacy in Connor Brown’s name, by providing Emergency Bleed Kits in Sunderland city centre.

“The Knife Angel has touched the hearts of people across the region during its time in Sunderland. And while its stay has been brief, if it has made even one young person think twice about carrying a knife or the devastating consequences of knife crime then its visit will have been well worthwhile.”

The Knife Angel’s departure ceremony will take place at City Hall 6pm on Friday 28^th June with candles being lit to remember loved ones at the Angel from 6.45pm. It will then depart the region the following day and bring to an end its stay in the North East.

More information about The Connor Brown Trust can be found here.

More information about the Angel and the British Ironwork Centre can be found here.

Newcastle United Foundation and Sunderland AFC’s Foundation of Light have joined forces to promote the Knives Impact Everyone campaign launched by Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness and local families who have lost loved ones to violence.

Newcastle United and Sunderland AFC, alongside their registered charities will be championing the impactful campaign across their social media channels, whilst hard-hitting messages will also feature on digital advertising stands at the Stadium of Light during the upcoming FA Cup derby match.

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 Police fund 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.

Through a range of emotionally charged graphics, undelivered messages show the heart-breaking reality of knife crime along with the words: “Knife crime cuts deep. Whether you’re carrying or you’re a victim of knife crime, the consequences impact everyone; family, friends, emergency services and communities.”

Backing the campaign, former Sunderland AFC Striker Kevin Phillips said: “Whatever your background, whatever your club, we have to unite on this so young people walk away from violence. We need to get in front of kids about the dangers and consequences of knives and we are supporting this campaign to do just that.”

Newcastle United Foundation Trustee and former player, Shola Ameobi, said: “Football is so powerful in this part of the world, and it means so much to people of all ages. Football can influence behaviour in young people and inspire them in so many different ways. I’ve seen first-hand for years the work that Newcastle United Foundation does in the community to make positive changes to the lives of those who need guidance and support. The power of the Newcastle United badge is really special to making a positive difference. The YOLO project alongside the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit is made a significant impact to so many young people in the region and it is great to see the work continuing.”

Kim McGuinness said: “Our football clubs are at the heart of so much that is good about the North East, and it is great to see them setting aside rivalry off the pitch to come together and stand up to knife crime. We’re all proud of region, and this is a strong message that we, the clubs, the fans, the families, are determined to keep it a great place to live.”

The campaign was developed alongside school children from across the region, with the aim of making young people think before picking up a knife, by understanding the impact and consequences of their actions.

Upon launching the campaign, it received widespread support and was backed by Northumbria Police as well as Samantha’s Legacy and The Connor Brown Trust, who have sadly experienced the devastating consequences of knife crime first hand.

Through the popular 20-week YOLO programme delivered in both Foundations, young people are provided with a mentor and the chance to take part in one-to-one sessions, and engage in activities such as sport, music, art, social action projects, as well as tailored interventions to support them in making positive behaviour change and address their needs.

A ground-breaking project launched last December to make Sunderland city centre safer, more attractive and more vibrant has seen an 82 per cent drop in rowdy and inconsiderate behaviour in its first year.

FORCE-wide crackdown efforts to tackle motorbike related crime and ASB is to be stepped up, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness has announced.

Recent policing operations by officers in Northumbria have had very encouraging results with bikes seized and significant arrests made, and the Commissioner says she is determined to bolster efforts further by investing in what has been identified as an increasing concern among local communities.

Some £196,000 secured from the Home Office will fund a new, dedicated support unit to strengthen intelligence sharing between partners. This will then feed into robust police action and designated operations to target the trouble-makers responsible for causing motorbike related ASB in their neighbourhoods.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “I’m more than aware just how much of a concern motorbike related crime is across our communities. It’s not only nuisance behaviours but dangerous behaviours too. It may only be a small minority doing it but it can put many people at risk of what can be very tragic consequences.

“We must do all we can to drive out this problem – and this project will focus on really understanding the issue, promoting safety and encouraging reporting. We want to steer troublemakers away from these nuisance behaviours and officers will take tough action on those responsible.

“The minority who ride dangerously need to be clear of the punishments. Nobody wants a fine, nobody wants their bike taken away but these are the things that are going to happen if you chose to ride somewhere illegal, somewhere unsafe.”

“By tackling those responsible for these behaviours we can improve the lives of local residents and that’s what we are setting out to do.”

Funding has been secured through Round 5 of the Home Office’s Safer Streets funding. Two further bids made by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria have also been successful. Other work will cover improving women’s safety in public places, tackling transport ASB and cutting down the number of deliberate secondary fires.

If you have any information about bike-related anti-social behaviour in your community, you can report it to Northumbria Police online via the ‘Tell us Something’ pages of their website, call 101 or contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

KIM MCGUINNESS has called on an independent watchdog to investigate crime levels in areas she dubs as Government ‘funding favourites’ for police uplift investment. By contrast, Northumbria has been the force hardest hit by austerity and even post-uplift remains 427 officers short when compared to pre-2010 levels.

Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner has written to the National Audit Office asking them to further investigate police resources following the conclusion of the Government’s uplift programme to recruit 20,000 new police officers. The NAO is the UK’s independent public spending watchdog, supporting Parliament in holding Government to account.

Kim McGuinness believes that data to date shows the way in which funds for recruitment were allocated by the Home Office to police forces has risked permanently embedding a reduction in headcount in those forces hit hardest by Government austerity measures.

In the NAO’s own 2018 report Northumbria Police was cited as one of the forces to suffer most from austerity measures. Around 25% of the force’s budget was cut, the NAO report found, with a reduction in officer numbers of around 1,100 as a result.

In 2022 the NAO looked at value for money from the Government’s Uplift programme and noted that “it is too early to assess whether the additional officers are delivering the wider aims of Government to improve public safety and help to reduce crime”.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “The impacts of funding formulas and uplift investment on local crime levels needs looking at. People have the right to know. Not all areas of the country have benefited equally from the recent uplift in police officer numbers.

“I believe forces with a smaller police precept base, like we do here in Northumbria, have been denied the chance to fully replace the number of officers they’ve lost since 2010. The allocation of Home Office Uplift funding has effectively embedded this cut in headcount for the foreseeable future. For some of us Government has failed to fix the problem it created.”

Kim McGuinness went on to explain “As the NAO report in 2018 found, Northumbria has been reliant on Government for 81% of our funding. Under uplift we received funds for an initial intake of 615 officers. This figure was increased by 60 after the Home Office re-allocated underspend. Government withheld funding for around 425 extra officers needed to bring Northumbria’s policing numbers up to 2010 levels. This disparity is repeated in forces across the North of England, where the council tax base is often smaller than other areas.”

However, the Commissioner pointed to a very different story elsewhere in the country. Last year Essex Police revealed they now have the highest number of officers in their 182-year-history, funded by Uplift and the local precept which makes up nearly half of their funding. The area has also welcomed a significant fall in crime.

The Commissioner continued: “Home Office officials will have known of the differing reliance on central funding when they allocated Uplift targets. It’s fair to say there is a noticeable North-South divide when it comes to funding favouritism too.  And so, I have asked the NAO to look into this again and consider the impact of uplift on reducing crime, and whether the bias in uplift allocation will be considered when measuring impact at a local level.”

The Home Office estimated that nationally the additional officers will provide net positive benefits of £4.7 billion over the next 10 years through additional charges, reduced reoffending and deterrents, and will reduce the number of crimes by around half a million a year by 2024-25.

In a letter to the head of the NAO, Kim asks whether they will be assessing this return on investment against the criteria, and will it breakdown this assessment on a force by force basis.  She states the public have a right to see how crime has changed in areas with the most policing investment, and how those denied the ability to recruit to their 2010 headcount levels have seen crime levels change as a result. She looks forward to the reply.

The letter sent is available to download here.