Some of Cleveland’s most vulnerable communities will get hotspot patrols in a bid to combat antisocial behaviour (ASB.)
Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Steve Turner has secured £1 million-worth of Government funding to run hotspot patrols across Cleveland.
It’s one of just 10 pilot areas in England and Wales, where patrols aim to deter offenders and provide reassurance for communities.
High visibility, uniformed patrols will operate in areas identified as having high levels of antisocial behaviour.
The police, fire brigade and local authorities have used data to identify hotspot areas. They have chosen target areas by analysing recent and historic incidents of antisocial behaviour.
Patrols will take place within micro-sites across 15 council wards in Cleveland.
The biggest issue
Cleveland PCC Steve Turner said: “I am delighted that the Government has chosen Cleveland to be one of a handful of pilots for this scheme.
“Antisocial behaviour is the biggest issue for most residents in Cleveland. It’s alsothe one, which I receive most public feedback on.”
Councillor Norma Stephenson, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Access, Communities and Community safety,said: “These additional patrols are a welcome boost to help us tackle antisocial behaviour in targeted areas.
“We know there are some areas of concern where increased visibility will make a big difference. It will protect and reassure residents, so we are very pleased to be included in one of the pilot areas.
“Stockton-on-Tees is one of the safest areas in the region. However, we are committed to working with our partners to make sure it remains that way.”
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said: “This will be a great boost for our warden service and will increase our ability to maintain a community safety presence across Middlesbrough.”
A number of methods including public perception surveys will be used to evaluate the pilot.
The number of enforcement actions and incidents of antisocial behaviour will also be monitored to gauge its success.
The ASB hotspot pilot runs until the end of March 2024. Learning from the pilot areas will be used to inform the scheme’s national roll out, which will take place from April next year.