Drugs, machetes and baseball bat seized with arrests during Newcastle crime crackdown
A multi-agency project aimed at identifying crime trends, arresting offenders and reducing anti-social behaviour
A multi-agency project which aims to further improve a Tyneside community has seen drugs, and suspected illegal cash in the tens of thousands of pounds recovered.
EPiC (Empowering People in Community) West focuses on the West End of Newcastle, with the aim of identifying crime trends, arresting offenders and reducing anti-social behaviour.
Since June, officers working as part of the team have made more than 100 arrests and carried out 147 stop searches, with £75,000 in cash and £10,000-worth of drugs seized – as well as weapons including knives, machetes, a baton and a baseball bat.
A total of 14 vehicles suspected of being involved in criminality have also been seized, with four cannabis farms uncovered and a number of items found to have been stolen returned to businesses in the area.
Northumbria Police is partnering with Newcastle City Council in working on the programme, with Trading Standards officers carrying out activity to ensure retailers are abiding by the law by not selling items such as cigarettes, alcohol and knives to those who are underage.
Through this work, £120,000 worth of illegal tobacco and vapes have been uncovered.
Sixteen Community Protection Notice Warnings have been handed out, while six Fixed Penalty Notices have also been issued by the team to those found drinking alcohol on the streets.
The Force’s Chief Superintendent Barrie Joisce, Area Commander for Newcastle, said: “We are really encouraged by the results from the team and are committed to continuing our work in this area.
“Already we have made significant seizures of illegal drugs, money we believe to be the proceeds of drug-dealing and dangerous weapons such as knives, swords and machetes.
“Our work will not stop here however, rest assured we will be keeping up our efforts in the coming weeks and months.
“No-one should have to put up with crime and anti-social behaviour on their doorstep, which is why tackling these issues are firmly among our priorities as we look to enhance community spirit within the area, keeping the West End of Newcastle a welcoming place to live, work and visit for all.”
Chief Supt Joisce added: “We are very proud to serve the West End community and want our residents to know that their voices are heard and we are here for them.
“To those who may have information which could assist us in our work in tackling crime, I’d ask that you contact us through one of our various channels so that we can take the appropriate action.
“The public are our eyes and ears in the community – please know that your intelligence is vital, and we will continue to take positive action to address any of the concerns which are reported to us.”
The EPiC initiative has also seen residents form groups to combat fly-tipping and graffiti, tidy up streets and public spaces and improving access to services in the process.
Cllr Irim Ali, Newcastle City Council’s Cabinet member for communities, said: “Living in safe and welcoming communities is a key concern for the residents and businesses in Newcastle.
“We have listened to those concerns and are taking action to tackle the issues that affect that, be that targeting crime and anti-social behaviour or better supporting vulnerable people to access the help they need.
“We know from the success of the City Safe project in the city centre, and our EPiC work in other communities, the positive impact we can have by working more closely, day-to-day with police and other organisations.
“Yet this isn’t just about the police and council - it’s about everybody working together with residents as they are the ones who can make a difference.
“We need the community to be strong and we need to support them in saying ‘No!’ to those that disrupt.
“There have been some amazing results already from the EPiC West hub and we look forward to building on that for the benefit of everyone who lives in the area.”
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said: “The best projects are those where everyone comes together to play their part in making a difference and EPiC does just that.
“The community spirit in Newcastle’s West End is strong and supportive and residents are telling me they’re noticing things improve. The operational activity rolled out by police and partners has the numbers to match and I’m pleased to see efforts to fight crime are paying off.
“Officers will continue working hard to catch those who are causing harm in our communities so we can get them before the courts. It’s all part of our continued work around safer streets and stronger communities.”
Anyone with information on suspicious activity in their area should send Northumbria Police a direct message, use the live chat function on the Force website or go to the ‘Report’ page of the website.
For those who cannot contact the Force via those ways, call 101.