PCC Matt Storey has backed a new multi-million pound plan to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour (ASB) in Middlesbrough town centre.
From next month, a range of new measures will be introduced to help make residents and businesses feel safer.
More Staff
Measures include extra staff in the town centre. They will be made up of additional Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and Neighbourhood Safety Wardens with enhanced powers. There will also be new support workers, who will work with vulnerable individuals to help reduce repeat offending.
The initiative will build on existing resources. It will include extended opening hours at Middlesbrough Safe Haven, where a visible multi-agency team provides rapid response. CCTV monitoring will also be strengthened.
The project is funded with £1.3 million from the Tees Valley Investment Zone. It’s led by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority. In addition, there is £140,000 from Middlesbrough Council and up to £937,000 in match-funding from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC.)
Residents’ concerns
Cleveland PCC Matt Storey said: “Residents regularly tell me about their concerns around town centre safety, with many witnessing antisocial behaviour, retail crime and drug-related offending on a regular basis. This isn’t right – everyone should be able to visit local leisure spaces without feeling fearful or worried about their safety.
“This project is an excellent example of collaboration between organisations to respond to community concerns, by working together to make our town centres safer.
“The investment will add a welcome boost to my recent investment in neighbourhood policing and complement the dedicated town centre officers recently introduced through the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee.
“I’m confident that this approach to invest in high visibility patrols, tough enforcement action and support for vulnerable people will make a real impact in improving safety for visitors, businesses and town centre workers.”
Barriers to investment
The project aims is to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour (ASB.) They are seen as barriers to economic growth and investment.
It will be delivered in partnership between the Tees Valley Combined Authority and Middlesbrough Council and Cleveland OPCC.
The initiative will focus on prevention, enforcement and support. The goal is to create a safer and more welcoming town centre for residents, visitors and businesses. It will also provide targeted support for people facing domestic abuse, homelessness or substance misuse.
The programme will begin operating once full financial and legal due diligence is completed.
The scheme aims to improve safety and boost confidence in the town centre. It also aims to support local businesses and make Middlesbrough a more attractive place to visit and invest.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “This is about making a real, visible difference in Middlesbrough town centre – cracking down on crime and yob behaviour.
“We know that safe, welcoming town centres are absolutely vital to attracting businesses, boosting visitor numbers and driving economic growth.
“By bringing together our partners and taking a joined-up approach, we’re not only tackling the root causes of crime but creating the conditions for Middlesbrough to thrive.
“This action will deliver stronger enforcement, better prevention and targeted support – and it will play a key role in unlocking future investment and opportunity for the town.”
Clear Objectives
The programme has clear objectives to be delivered over its initial three-year duration:
- Achieve a reduction in crime and anti-social behaviour
- Improve public confidence and perceptions of safety
- Increase footfall in the town centre
- Help retain and attract businesses, reducing vacant units
- Support private sector investment and economic growth
- Establish long-term partnership models for safety and regeneration
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said: “Great things are happening in our town centre. We have thriving businesses including STACK, Level X and Bloom. More new restaurants and bars will open in the coming months. We’ve seen thousands of people enjoy the first of the 10-year anniversary Orange Pip Markets.
“We’ll soon host the famous arts Turner Prize at MIMA and celebrate the football club’s 150th anniversary together as a town. Alongside all that positivity we’re determined to make sure the town centre feels like a safe and welcoming environment so we can continue making Middlesbrough thrive.
“This investment would see more boots on the ground to provide a deterrent to any troublemakers and reassurance to people who just want to go about their day. It would bolster the hard work done by our wardens and neighbourhood safety wardens alongside the police.”
Daryll Tomlinson, Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Policing Superintendent said: “Tackling criminals, supporting victims and protecting our communities are key priorities for Cleveland Police. This, alongside highly visible and engaged policing, helps make our town centres vibrant, desirable and safer places for residents, visitors and businesses.
“This initiative is built on the strength of existing partnerships, boosting the current enhanced policing offer in the town centre, with more PCSOs, increased victim support, and the use of the full range of powers and technology at our disposal.
“We are looking forward to contributing to a safer Middlesbrough Town Centre and to seeing the positive impact this partnership work will have.”