Northumbria Police and partners have launched a new multi-agency hub in South Shields town centre aimed at tackling crime and anti-social behaviour "head-on," with a base at the transport interchange.
The South Tyneside Engagement and Partnership (STEP) Team will operate from the town centre's transport interchange, bringing together officers with representatives from South Tyneside Council and Nexus, along with cooperation from local bus operators.
Visible Presence and Community Response
The team's introduction follows community concerns about the area, with the central location intended to allow officers and transport staff to "maintain a visible presence." The STEP Team will work alongside the existing neighbourhood policing team, which police hope will deter criminals and make the area "more welcoming."
Chief Superintendent Darren Adams, the force'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."
Partner Support and Reassurance
Councillor Karen Pittuck, responsible for neighbourhood and community safety at South Tyneside Council, said the new team strengthens the 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," she said.
Erika Allen, Quality, Health, Safety, Security and Environment (QHSSE) Director at Nexus, said the interchange is a key regional gateway and the partnership will ensure a more frequent and visible presence, which customers have asked for.
Reporting Concerns
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said the initiative complements work through the Safer Transport Northumbria Partnership and the force's ASB Action Plan, delivering "safer streets and stronger communities."
Anyone wishing to report anti-social behaviour can contact Northumbria Police via social media direct message, a report form on its website, or by calling 101. Concerns can also be reported to the council online, by emailing asb@southtyneside.gov.uk, calling 0300 123 6633, or contacting the customer contact centre on 0191 427 7000. In an emergency, people should call 999.
