Case Studies

Newcastle PATH

by Mark Rowe

Operation PATH, standing for Police, Anti-social behaviour teams, Tenancy enforcement and Housing providers, was launched at the end of August in Newcastle and involves all agencies working together to tackle crime in the East Riverside areas, including violent crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB).

Targeted 24/7 and neighbourhood officer patrols are being carried out in specified areas supported by mounted officers.

A remote CCTV camera is in place on Benson Road and the communication between operators and officers has proved effective when targeting offenders. Around 60 people have also so far taken advantage of having their property marked so that if it is stolen and recovered by police, it can be returned to its rightful owner.

Three main offenders have recently been charged with a number of offences including; taking a motor vehicle without consent; handling stolen goods; being carried in a motor vehicle taken without consent and driving while disqualified. One was also summonsed for contravening a requirement by a constable to surrender alcohol.

In its first five weeks, the operation has seen offences plummet. Criminal damage is down 55%; violent crime 50%; violence against the person by 66% and anti-social behaviour incidents by 20 per cent.

A total of 49 offences have been reported to police, of which 33 offenders were identified in relation to them equating to a detection rate of 67pc, well above the national average. Deborah Alderson, Neighbourhood Inspector for Newcastle East’s Riverside area, added: “Working alongside our partners strengthens our message that crime and ASB will not be tolerated.

“It also means we are looking at a range of solutions to tackle these issues with our partners to bring about long-term results, including using covert tactics.

“Operation PATH has made a big impact in the area, this approach will continue and the community can expect a range of policing activities in the coming months.

“We are in the early stages of planning an engagement event in the area with our partners and local residents, we will continue to target offenders in the area and work with our colleagues to enforce tenancy breaches.

“The figures quoted are very encouraging but we are aware that there’s work still to be done. We are committed to responding to the needs of the community and urge them to contact us to discuss any issues.

“Several tenants involved in anti-social behaviour and crime have been issued with warnings and some are in the final stages of eviction. This approach will continue.”

And the chair of Safe Newcastle, Cllr Linda Hobson, said: “When we speak to residents, anti-social behaviour is always one of the first issues they raise with us because it has such a huge impact on their daily lives.

“Operation PATH is proving to be highly effective and shows that the police and the city council really are listening to communities and taking action.”

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