Decision Summary
In April 2022, Cleveland’s OPCC was notified of its successful application for Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) funding from the Home Office over 3 years.
This resulted in the establishment of the Cleveland Unit for the Reduction of Violence (CURV.)
CURV was tasked with the role of bringing together all partners and stakeholders. This was to develop and deliver an intelligence-led strategy. It would aim to reduce serious violence throughout Cleveland through a Public Health agenda.
In August 2022, the OPCC launched a £500,000 funding opportunity. This was to invite interventions to support the reduction of violent crime
(PCC launches £500,000 fund for interventions to reduce violent crime).
As part of this funding stream, Hartlepool Borough Council succeeded in securing £30,585 to support the implementation of a crime prevention plan focussed on the Night-Time Economy (NTE).
Subsequent to Hartlepool Borough Council’s success, the Borough Councils of Redcar & Cleveland, Stockton and Middlesbrough were all invited to review their NTE crime prevention plans and submit applications for CURV funding as appropriate.
Stockton Borough Council Bid
Stockton Borough Council submitted an application for £32,208.68 to support their NTE Crime Prevention Plan. It was based around five strands of activity, including the following:
- NTE Safety Campaign. The campaign is planned around the Ask for Angela initiative. Funding will help to improve awareness and increase safety. It will do this by providing glass/bottle covers and spiking test strips, hand metal detectors and bleed control kits.
- Stockton-on-Tees CCTV Control Room. Funding to support an uplift in CCTV staff over peak times.
- Violence Prevention Measures. Funding will support additional activities in NTE areas other than those directly affected by crime. This will ensure they can assist the police in the event of crime being diverted by the crime prevention plan.
CURV assessed Stockton Borough Council’s application to ensure consistency with Hartlepool Borough Council’s application
After a series of follow up questions, the application was approved for a four-month period from the 1st December 2022 – 31st March 2023.