High-visibility patrols have contributed to a 23 per cent reduction in serious violence across Northumberland, Tyne, and Wear.

This is according to police and crime commissioner, Susan Dungworth, who said the Project Shield initiative had made a significant impact.

The initiative, which focuses on high-visibility patrols and targeted activity in areas of concern, aims to deter crime and reassure the community.

18594196The project has delivered nearly 6,000 additional hours of foot patrols in 15 hotspot areas this year (Image: Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria) The project has delivered nearly 6,000 additional hours of foot patrols in 15 hotspot areas this year.

The patrols work alongside Nexus, Stagecoach, British Transport Police, and all six local authorities in the Northumbria Police force area.

Ms Dungworth said: "Not only are these results really encouraging, but I am also finding people that speak to me when I’m out in these communities or attending meetings are saying the same thing – they’ve been noticing more officers and crucially, they’ve been feeling safer."

High-visibility patrols have contributed to a 23 per cent reduction in serious violence across Northumberland, Tyne, and Wear (Image: Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria) The project also focuses on the root causes of serious violence and devises long-term plans to prevent it.

The Northumbria Violence Reduction is playing a key part in preventing spikes in serious violence through its Seasonal Violence Fund.

Chief Superintendent Joanne Park-Simmons, of Northumbria Police, said: "These are very welcoming figures as we and our partner organisations continue to work hard to further reduce serious violence across our communities.

"The public and those working in businesses should rest assured that much more Project Shield activity is planned in the upcoming weeks and months to keep people safe, deter crime and positively engage with people."

The patrols work alongside Nexus, Stagecoach, British Transport Police, and all six local authorities in the Northumbria Police force area (Image: Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria) Cllr Kelly Chequer, deputy leader of Sunderland City Council and cabinet member for Health, Wellbeing and Safer Communities, said: "It is a high priority for us that our residents are safe when they are out and about in the city centre, and we work closely with our partners to help everyone feel safe and reassured, so I am delighted to see the difference Project Shield is making already.

"It is reassuring to see some excellent early results."

Project Shield is a force-wide project to protect communities by tackling serious violence and antisocial behaviour in hotspot areas.

The project will run until March 2025.