Newcastle Town

Supply and use of drugs in the town centre, predominantly use by the homeless and dealers seeking to exploit them. This has a knock-on effect with anti-social behaviour, low-level disorder, violence and theft from the shops and businesses.

Dedicated daily patrols in and around the town centre have been put in place to tackle the issues around drug misuse and associated criminality / exploitation. Specific hotspot areas have been identified to target patrols which hare bolstered by plain clothes police activity.
Police work on a daily basis with partner agencies to provide support to homeless people.

Rough sleepers and begging has been raised as an issue due to the intimidation of members of the public and the impact on local businesses.

Joint working with partners continues to be a key thread in tackling associated issues with use of anti-social behaviour (ASB) legislation.
Where individuals are struggling with homelessness, we work with the Local Authority to ensure support is put in place to reduce homeless numbers.
Overt and plain clothes police tactics are used to identify and tackle criminality and ASB. Increased daily patrols on the town are a key part of efforts to reassurance the community and deter the commission of offences.

Violence in the town centre, predominantly at weekends, has been an ongoing issue for this area.

Operation safer nights has been created to provide a visible policing presence in the town centre for Friday and Saturday nights. Numerous officers on foot and in vehicles are present through the town to provide reassurance and intervention if needed. Anti-social behaviour (ASB) legislation is being used to provide dispersal powers as well as the use of CCTV to monitor and ensure the safety of those using the town centre. Offenders arrested for violence are dealt with robustly with bail conditions, banning notices and Community Protection Warnings/Notices are used to prevent further incidents of disorder.

Joint working with Newcastle Borough Council and consultation with licensing officers continues to understand and share information of licensed premises subject to anti-social behaviour. PABCIS continue to offer good joint working opportunities. We are working alongside Newcastle Business Improvement District (BID) officials to identify and support those affected by crime and anti-social behaviour.
'Safer Space' signposting and premises being used during night time economy periods to support visitors who may experience vulnerability or related concerns.

Retail crime such as shoplifting in the town centre

Repeat offenders are being targeted and hot spot policing patrols continue, consisting of high visibility and plain clothes officers. Joint working with retail businesses continue to identify target hardening opportunities and bringing offenders to justice.