‘Everyone deserves to feel safe’ - New South Shields hub to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour
The new South Tyneside Engagement and Partnership Team will operate alongside the existing town centre neighbourhood policing team, with the aim of creating a safer and more welcoming environment in the town centre.
A new multi-agency hub has launched to “tackle head-on” crime and anti-social behaviour in South Shields.
The South Tyneside Engagement and Partnership (STEP) Team will be based within the transport interchange with partners from Northumbria Police, South Tyneside Council and Nexus – as well as cooperation from bus operators.
The location will ensure officers and transport staff maintain a visible presence and are best placed to respond to any issues or concerns as they arise.
Its introduction is in response to community concerns relating to anti-social behaviour and crime in and around the transport interchange.
The STEP Team will operate alongside the existing town centre neighbourhood policing team and it is hoped the increased visibility will help deter individuals from becoming involved in anti-social behaviour, while creating a safer and more welcoming environment.
Chief Superintendent Darren Adams, Northumbria Police's Anti-Social Behaviour lead, said: "We are committed to protecting our communities and ensuring our efforts are focused where they're needed most.
"We have listened to community feedback and understand the transport interchange can attract unwanted behaviour from a select number of individuals.”
Councillor Karen Pittuck, Lead Member for Highways, Neighbourhoods and Community Safety at South Tyneside Council, said: “We want everyone who lives, works, visits or does business in South Shields town centre to feel safe and welcome, and the new STEP Team strengthens our joint approach to tackling anti-social behaviour.
“Having the Council, police and partners working side by side in the heart of the town centre will provide a visible and reassuring presence, while allowing us to share information and intelligence and respond quickly to issues as they arise.”
Ch Supt Adams continued: "I want this to be a clear message to anyone considering becoming involved in anti-social behaviour in South Shields town centre that it will not be tolerated.
"Everyone deserves to feel safe and confident while travelling and we will continue to do everything in our power to make sure that's the case.”
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said: "Residents have been clear that anti-social behaviour is something they want to see tackled, and it's so important that we listen and respond.
“That's why it's great to see initiatives like the South Shields Interchange Hub, which is all about bringing partners together to address local concerns, engaging positively with young people and helping make the area feel safer and more welcoming for everyone.
“It complements the work already happening through the Safer Transport Northumbria Partnership and Northumbria Police's ASB Action Plan. It’s taking practical action on the issues people tell us matter most – delivering safer streets and stronger communities.”
Erika Allen, Quality, Health, Safety, Security and Environment (QHSSE) Director at Nexus, said: “South Shields Transport Interchange is a key regional gateway and we are determined to keep it safe and secure for the public.
“This new joint South Tyneside Engagement and Partnership will ensure there is a much more frequent and visible presence at the interchange, which is something customers have asked for.”
Members of the public are reminded that concerns relating to anti-social behaviour can be reported via direct message on Northumbria Police's social media or on the Force's website in addition to the Council’s reporting page: Report anti-social behaviour - South Tyneside Council.