'Substantial impact' - police-backed agency helps to drive down crime in Byker

A new multi-agency team aimed at driving down crime and improving the community has launched in Newcastle.

EPiC (Empowering People in Communities) East focuses on the Shields Road area of Byker, tasked with identifying crime trends and reducing disorder.

Building on the success of EPiC NOW and West, the eight-strong team brings representatives from Northumbria Police, Newcastle City Council, and other support services together.

Agency targets Newcastle area of Byker

Based out of the city’s East End Library and Community Hub, they will tackle all types of crime on their patch – with a focus on anti-social behaviour and supporting businesses and residents.

They held a recent engagement day on Thursday, March 19, with neighbourhood officers and community safety staff carrying out joint patrols.

The Force’s community engagement van was deployed at Hadrian Square, giving the public a chance to speak with the newly formed team.

They visited local businesses to check on licensing and food hygiene – with parking enforcement also in attendance on the busy street.

Representatives from His Majesty’s Probation Service boosted the area with a Community Payback litter pick, and artwork was revealed on Addison Road by Alec Saunders.

Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth also attended during the day to meet the team and speak with the wider community.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Graeme Cockerill, who heads up EPiC East in Northumbria Police, said: “We had a brilliant engagement day in Byker, showing business owners and residents alike that our EPiC East team are here to help them.

“We’ve already seen great success with this type of multi-agency approach in other locations, often leading to a significant drop in crime and an improved look and feel for an area.

“Working together under one roof with our partners can only bring positives as we look to make Byker safe and pleasant for everyone.

“The EPiC East team will be really embedded on Shields Road itself, working on the issues that matter most to people, so they can make a meaningful difference.”

Substantial impact on community of Byker - councillor

Councillor Irim Ali, Newcastle City Council Cabinet member for communities, said: “Since its launch, just over three years ago, EPiC has had a substantial impact for our communities.

“Whether helping to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, delivering community-led projects, improving public spaces or increasing community participation and pride, leading to more engagement in local events and volunteering, this is an initiative the city can be proud of.

“Building on the successes of City Safe in the city centre, EPiC West, and more recently EPiC North and Outer West (EPiC NOW), it is great to see the council, police and partners working side by side on EPiC East to listen, build relationships with our communities and tackle some of the issues that matter most to our residents.”