Middlesbrough town centre crime clampdown
Three extra police officers and 12 enforcement officers could be stationed in Middlesbrough town centre to clamp down on crime.
Independent Middlebrough Mayor Andy Preston has said that strong, no-nonsense action would make a massive difference in the town centre. The £1.1m plans will be put to the council’s executive on Tuesday, October 18.
The town centre faces a number of challenges as major high-street retailers including House of Fraser, Debenhams, Topshop and Miss Selfridge have all closed their doors, with some behind them leaving huge empty buildings. Council officers are working with organisations to find a suitable use for the House of Fraser store.
The new plans have been funded by two Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) pots of cash. The shared prosperity fund will dish out £520,000 and the indigenous growth fund will stump up £600,000. The council hopes the scheme will lower the risk of crime damaging progress to transform the town centre
The three new police officers will cost £340,000, while eight current street wardens will be awarded more powers as enforcement officers, alongside four new recruits, which will cost £280,000. They will patrol the town centre from 8am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm.
Cleveland Police officer numbers are expected to surpass 1,460 by March next year, a 20% increase since April 2019, however, it will still be up to between 250 and 300 fewer officers than the force had in 2010.
Mr Preston said: “The positives for central Middlesbrough are huge compared to so many other places – but we also have the same old universal challenges like declining retail, begging and anti-social behaviour. Strong, no-nonsense action by directly funded and accountable police officers will make a massive and positive difference.
“This, coupled with our specialist enforcement team, will deter troublemakers and create a much better atmosphere. Middlesbrough is definitely leading the way now and despite massive challenges the future looks bright.”
As part of the scheme, £50,000 will be plunged into the Orange Pip Market and the development of other markets, there will be £10,000 for initiatives offering discounts like Teesside restaurant week and £100,000 for an arts and culture programme. A further £60,000 will be spent on a floating youth service, to work with young people who are involved in inappropriate activity within the town centre, £5,000 to launch a campaign not to give money to beggars and £15,000 for more CCTV.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Making our streets safer is key to improving our town centres, getting people visiting and backing our brilliant local businesses as well as driving investment and ensuring post-Covid recovery. This funding will help make Middlesbrough even better for local people and a more attractive prospect for companies.
“These plans will also work hand-in-hand with the new Mayoral Development Corporation and our bid for Government’s proposed Investment Zones. Together, they will turbocharge the town by reducing red tape, providing huge incentives for firms and giving us the means to reinvest business rates to benefit everyone.”
If the proposals are approved, £40,000 will be used for an annual deep clean of the town centre, £20,000 to cover the cost of Middlesbrough Retail Crime Partnership (MRCP) membership for 100 town centre businesses and to keep the area looking presentable two new caretaking staff will be hired costing £128,000.