Commissioner hails success of Blyth 12 Streets Operation
10th November 2017
A month long operation in Blyth, which ended this week, has seen a host of multi-agency activities, all aimed at improving the quality of life for residents.
Officers from Blyth Neighbourhood Policing Team have been carrying out a series of high visibility patrols together with officers from motor patrols, dog section and the mounted section over recent weeks.
Police and Crime Commissioner Dame Vera Baird QC said: “I welcome this proactive operation which was carried out in response to concerns raised by local residents, and I hope this successful police activity will reassure residents that work is being done to tackle the issues that affect them. I’m pleased to see innovative solutions such as the MyStreet app playing a role and offering residents new ways to engage with officers.”
Officers have been targeting active offenders in the area, and since the 12 Streets initiative began, there has been a marked decrease in reported burglary offences in Blyth. Eight suspected burglars have been arrested during the operation and enquiries are continuing into these offences.
Police have been visiting local schools and given safety advice to children around Halloween and Bonfire Night. Joint patrols with Environment Agency staff have seen eight Fixed Penalty Notices issued, for littering and dog fouling offences.
Officers have also been encouraging residents to download the new MyStreet Northumbria app, to report local issues. The app enables people to report issues including flytipping, street lighting, potholes and noise complaints, to name just a few, so the correct authorities can deal with them. During the initiative alone, there have been 41 reports made via the app within the 12 Streets area.
Blyth Neighbourhood Sergeant Nick Smith said: “This has been a successful coordinated multi-agency response to the issues which local residents have raised. Over the course of the last four weeks there has been a reduction in reported burglary offences, and good use made of the ‘MyStreet Northumbria app,’ directing partnership resources to where they are needed the most.
“Crime within the area has seen a notable reduction and residents have seen an increase in officers on patrol. We’d like to thank the residents and partners for their contribution and support in improving an area which we all care about. We are looking to replicate this success in other districts within Blyth, on a rolling basis, to improve the quality of life of residents and visitors to the town. The success of this initiative is down to the community spirit of residents and shows what we can accomplish when we work together.
“We are inviting residents to a community meeting we are hosting at the Comrades Club at 7PM on the 13th November, to talk about any local policing issues. We look forward to seeing residents there.”
The 12 streets area included Wright Street, Beaumont Street, Disraeli Street, Salisbury Street, Gladstone Street, Hambledon Street, Durban Street, Goschen Street, Balfour Street, Maddison Street, Hall Terrace and Hodgson’s Road areas of Cowpen Quay.
Anyone with issues about crime or anti-social behaviour where they live should contact their local neighbourhood policing team on 101.
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