New multi-agency project launched to prevent crime and help vulnerable

Newcastle has launched the City Safe Project, a collaborative effort involving Northumbria Police, Newcastle City Council, and NE1. The initiative aims to combat crime and anti-social behaviour while offering more support to vulnerable individuals.

Based at Newcastle’s City Library site, the new multi-agency hub brings together representatives from organisations to make Newcastle an even better place to live, work and visit. The team includes police officers, NE1 Street Rangers and focused deterrence workers targeting youth.

Services will address underlying issues behind criminal behavior, such as drug and alcohol abuse. Visible patrols, both uniformed and plain clothes, will target repeat offenders, making the Night Time Economy safer.

“Through City Safe, we will work closely together with partners to share intelligence and use our full range of services, tactics and legislation to crack down on those intent on causing disruption.

“The project will also see our policing presence in the city centre increased. A total of eight officers working as part of the project will be tasked with problem solving, tackling crime and anti-social behaviour hotspots, as well as targeting a cohort of key individuals and tackling the causes of their offending. By identifying issues earlier we can help prevent incidents from occurring.”

Area Commander for Newcastle, Chief Superintendent Barrie Joisce, Northumbria Police.

Additionally, there will be heightened presence at transportation hubs to discourage offenders from entering the city. The project will also focus on obtaining orders against key offenders to prevent further offenses.

Cllr Paula Maines, Cabinet member for a Resilient City at Newcastle City Council, said: “The project is all about listening to the concerns of residents and businesses so partners can take action and tackle the issues that matter most to them.

“It also gives us a platform to build on the extensive work we already do with partners to keep our communities safe and ensure we continue to support vulnerable people in the best way we can.

“The new hub is a great example of how partners can work together to help the city to thrive and ensure it remains the safe and welcoming place we all want it to be.”

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