Another action packed summer is set to get underway in a bid to stop spikes in violent crime and keep people safe.  

Having successfully piloted this approach last year, summer violence dropped by 12.2% and continued on this downward trend throughout the winter with a 10% reduction in offences, in targeted areas.  

This has led the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit to embed this approach in its strategy for driving down violent crime across the region. 

With more people heading out to enjoy the warmer weather, this increased action will put a range of activity in place to make everyone feel safer, including more police officers, youth workers and positive activities to engage young people and divert them from crime.  

Getting ahead of the curve is a vital part of the Violence Reduction Unit’s response to tackling violent crime, so there will also be a focus on iconic events over the summer, such as The Hopping’s, football matches and the regions bustling night-time economy.  

Through working together with the Community Safety Partnerships and other key services in Northumberland, Tyne and Wear to develop projects aimed at reducing serious violence, it has led the Violence Reduction Unit to invest over £100,000 in local communities, which will see areas benefit from the following actions:  

  • In Gateshead there will be additional youth workers and police patrols in communities and neighbourhoods that are experiencing higher rates of crime and anti-social behaviour.  
     
  • A task force will be working in Newcastle city centre to reduce crime in parks and other green spaces by engaging with the public, and focusing on events that increase footfall to the area such as The Hopping’s and concerts.  
     
  • North Tyneside will see more action taking place in areas experiencing higher reports of serious crime, with Project Vita stepping in to provide more activities for young people to divert them away from offending. 
  • In Northumberland, there will be more stop and search activity and an increased visibility of community teams and officers to prevent offences relating to serious violence, knife crime and possession.  
     
  • In South Tyneside, work will continue to identify and engage young people at risk of serious violence and to provide support to them through weekly sessions.   
     
  • Sunderland will see an increase in police officers, neighbourhood wardens and ASB staff during the summer months to provide reassurance for residents, businesses and visitors that the city is doing all it can to prevent violent crime. 

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “Violent crime can happen at any time of the year, but we do see increases during the summer months when there is more to do while enjoying the warmer weather and then again during the winter when the festive season gets underway. That’s why this increased action is so important – it helps us to get ahead of the problem and put a stop to it. We know that this approach really does work and following the results of last year, I am delighted that the Violence Reduction Unit are again working closely with police, councils and other key services across the region to target interventions and action where they are needed most.” 

She added: “Making sure you feel safe is so important to me, which is why we will continue throwing everything we have at tackling violent crime, and that starts with investing in our communities to provide real change.” 

Cllr Jim Foreman, Lead Member for Housing and Community Safety, South Tyneside Council, said: “Our close working with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner last summer on a range of youth seasonal diversionary activities resulted in a reduction in violent crime and this funding will allow us to plan and deliver further initiatives this year which we hope will prove to be just as successful. By taking an early intervention, preventative approach, alongside our partners, we hope that our young people can enjoy the summer safely and with consideration for others.” 

For more information, please contact the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit by email vru@northumbria-pcc.gov.uk

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