Quickly exit this site by pressing the Escape key Leave this site
We use some essential cookies to make our website work. We’d like to set additional cookies so we can remember your preferences and understand how you use our site.
You can manage your preferences and cookie settings at any time by clicking on “Customise Cookies” below. For more information on how we use cookies, please see our Cookies notice.
Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can update your cookie settings at any time on the cookies page.
Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can update your cookie settings at any time on the cookies page.
Sorry, there was a technical problem. Please try again.
This site is a beta, which means it's a work in progress and we'll be adding more to it over the next few weeks. Your feedback helps us make things better, so please let us know what you think.
A police operation to tackle violence across Cleveland has seen a reduction in crime that causes serious harm in a number of areas.
Operation Deterrence – which was launched in July 2022 – originally identified 32 areas in Middlesbrough, Stockton, Redcar & Cleveland and Hartlepool where harm levels for serious violence were high, and where crime contributed to around 30 per cent of all harm in the force area and 25 per cent of all offences.
In the last two years of the operation the presence of officers in these areas and the proactive work carried out, led to some significant reductions in crime.
Crime has dropped so much in some areas that they are no longer on the hotspot list, and there are now only 21 areas patrolled under the operation.
Many of the original areas have dropped off the list with substantially reduced harm scores and some new areas have been identified.
Chief Inspector Nick See, who heads up Operation Deterrence said: “These patrols have had a really positive impact on public reassurance and improving the force’s relationship with members of the public.
“The increased police presence in these areas really contributes towards those living in the area feeling safer too. Local neighbourhood teams complement the high visibility patrols with other problem-solving work in these areas, such as special operations in Hemlington to tackle anti-social behaviour.
“We’ve managed to turn some areas around, which leaves us to focus our attention on some new areas. We’ll continue to monitor all areas, and we can change where we patrol to reflect any change.
“It’s all down to officers who make sure that these areas are patrolled and targeted come rain or shine and we’ll put in extra shifts to make sure that this happens. The consistent approach really makes the difference with those causing problems in these areas knowing there will be a police presence.
“While it’s satisfying to see the harm level reduce in these areas and to see our hard work pay off, we’re not complacent and understand that this is a long-term project to instil real change and improve the quality of life for the communities living there.”