Project Harmony Helps Reduce Crime in Ropner, Stockton, One Year On

Over twelve months on from the launch of a multi-agency initiative in the Ropner ward area of Stockton, there have been significant drops in crime and increased engagement with the local community.

Launched in June 2023, Project Harmony aims to help rejuvenate the Ropner ward and reduce crime and antisocial behaviour; with a number of agencies joining together to achieve this including Cleveland Police, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, education representatives, local councillors, local housing agencies such as Thirteen Group and charities and third sector organisations such as Catalyst and Corner House Youth Project.

Working closely together, the partner agencies have been taking a proactive approach to combat issues and have been holding monthly community meetings to build relationships with local residents.

After a year of the Project, there has been more than a 21% reduction in total crime in the area, 19% reduction in drugs offences, a 22% reduction in theft, 20.5% reduction in criminal damage and arson and a 15% reduction in violence.

The Ropner area was identified as part of the Home Office’s national ‘Clear, Hold, Build’ approach, to operate in areas affected by organised crime with neighbourhood policing teams taking the lead on tackling it.

Significant multi-agency activity in the area has included arrests and prosecutions linked to organised crime, house closures, working with letting agents and landlords, stop searches, regular high visibility patrols, the seizure and destruction of off-road motorbikes and weapon seizures.

Operation Nightfall has also launched in addition to the ongoing work, which see’s safeguarding night patrols to target those who go into the area to exploit sex workers.

An engagement survey launched last year by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council asked local residents to give their views on the area and how to improve it, resulting in 496 responses. Every month, a community meeting is held at the community hub inviting residents to connect with partners and be involved in shaping their local area.

Chief Inspector Dan Heron from Stockton Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “To see the impact that Project Harmony is having in the Ropner area is really pleasing and, along with our partners, we commit to continuing this great work as we strive to rejuvenate the ward and make a difference for those who live and work in the area.

“Thank you once again to the residents of Ropner for coming together with the agencies to help share information in the hope of building resilience in the area and driving down crime even further.”

Councillor Norma Stephenson, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Access, Communities and Community Safety, said: “Residents should be able to live their lives free from the fear of crime so it’s great to see we’re achieving real results through this multi-agency approach. Through Project Harmony the community has really engaged with us and our partners and in the tailored events we’ve been able to really listen to residents’ views and hear their concerns.  Last month a family fun afternoon at the mosque was really well attended and saw a host of local families and residents come to give us feedback and have lots of fun too!”

*** Pic shows the most recent engagement event at the Farooq E Azam Mosque & Islamic Centre on Bowesfield Lane earlier in July. Residents joined agencies for a family fun afternoon ***