Offenders are being confronted with the consequences of their crime thanks to a brand new no-nonsense initiative.

The scheme will crack down on crime, the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour on industrial estates and commercial premises in Sunderland's East End and Hendon. The £175,000 'Reducing Industrial Estate Crime' project is being run by the Coalition with funding from the East End and Hendon regeneration Partnership - Back on the Map.

There are a number of complementary, and inter-relating strands to this vibrant project. The Coalition’s Youth & Community Programme will run Project TUB (see separate project page) in local schools to help focus on behaviour in general. Fun sessions, including discussion, drama, poster design, creative writing and interactive questionnaires, help young people think about how their behaviour impacts on others. Younger children can become members of Spike’s TUB Club!

Part of the project will tackle unacceptable behaviour through Restorative Justice Programmes in which the offender is confronted, often for the first time, with the consequences of their actions. Trained volunteers from local businesses and the community, who can talk from personal experience, are currently being sought, to help deliver both aspects of the project.

Businesses and shops will be given help and advice about crime prevention measures and encouraged to report any problems, such as unacceptable behaviour, vandalism, fly-tipping, graffiti and litter.

The Reducing Industrial Estate Crime scheme will incorporate the existing Business Watch scheme in the area and will work with tenants, landlords, the City of Sunderland, Northumbria Police, the local community and other partners.

The Coalition will work with the police, youth offending service and social services to identify offenders and repeat offenders who cause problems in and around industrial estates and commercial premises in the East End and Hendon.

One of the initial outcomes of this project has been a report following a 'Mapping Exercise' in the area. To download a copy of the report - click here (pdf - 844k).

For further information contact the project co-ordinator - details above/right.


Northumbria Coalition Against Crime, Northumbria Police HQ, Ponteland, Newcastle upon Tyne NE20 0BL
Telephone 01661 868 424, Fax 01661 868488, E-mail info@thecoalition.org.uk