Project targets city crime and anti-social behaviour

Ch Supt Barrie Joisce of Northumbria Police, councillor Paula Maines from Newcastle City Council, and Tariq Albassam of NE1 at the launch of the City Safe project

A new taskforce has been launched to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in Newcastle city centre.

The City Safe Project will also offer support services for vulnerable people.

It will see more uniformed and plain-clothed officers deployed to target repeat and prolific offenders.

Ch Supt Barrie Joisce, from Northumbria Police, said teams would work closely to “share intelligence” and “crackdown” on disruption.

He added: “For those who need support, should they have found themselves homeless or addicted to drugs or alcohol, police officers, drug and alcohol support workers as well as those who can assist with housing issues, will work together, so that we can ensure intervention and support."

The taskforce, which includes the council and the NE1 business improvement district, will be based at Newcastle’s City Library.

It will also be backed by drug and alcohol specialists, and focussed deterrence workers to engage with young people.

The team will also be tasked with making the city’s night-time economy safer for visitors.

Paula Maines, the Labour-led council's cabinet member for a resilient city, said the project was about "listening to the concerns of residents and businesses".

Mark Sumner, head of operations at Newcastle NE1, added it was “delighted” to be involved, with its street rangers acting as the “eyes and ears” on the streets.