Multi-Agency Initiative in Ropner, Stockton, Seeing Positive Early Results
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A multi-agency initiative aimed at helping to rejuvenate the Ropner ward area of Stockton to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour is seeing positive early results.
Project Harmony was launched in the area in May 2023, with agencies including Cleveland Police, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, education representatives, local councillors, North East Ambulance Service (NEAS), Cleveland Fire Brigade, local housing agencies such as Thirteen Group and charities and third sector organisations such as Catalyst and Corner House Youth Project.
The agencies have been working closely together and taking a proactive approach to combat issues in the area, which include crime and antisocial behaviour.
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.
Police have already seen drops in crime in the Ropner ward in categories including robbery, violence against the person, burglary, theft and vehicle crime. Overall crime in the ward has seen reductions of 41% in December 2023, 29% in January and 54% in February 2024 compared to the same period the previous year.
Since the launch of Project Harmony, there has been significant and focused multi-agency activity including:
- Arrests and prosecutions linked to organised criminal groups
- House closures as a direct result of community intelligence due to drugs activity and antisocial behaviour
- Tactical disruption visits to suspects
- Plain clothed patrols leading to stop searches leading to drugs and weapons recoveries
- Engagement sessions in education facilities
- Liaison with local faith groups
- Close working with letting agents to problem solve and reduce crime and antisocial behaviour
- Regular high visibility patrols providing a deterrent in hot spot areas
- Listening to and taking action on information given by community members
- Working closely with local council representatives
- Maximising the seizure and destruction of off-road motorcycles
- Cannabis farms identified and destroyed
- Weapons 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.
Feedback from the survey asked for more visibility from the agencies, and as a direct result there will be a community hub on Wednesday 27th March, which will offer residents and businesses in Ropner a place to attend where they can approach representatives from police, council, housing associations, children’s and public health all under one roof. This will take place from 3pm at Stockton Family Hub, Yarm Road, TS18 3PJ.
Chief Inspector Dan Heron from Stockton Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Asking people to complete a survey is one thing, taking action is another. Together with our partners, we have put the feedback into action with the community hub and there will be more to come.
“The strength and drive by all involved in the initiative is starting to make a difference and I particularly want to thank the residents for their help in sharing information.
“Whilst we have already seen some green shoots, we are certainly not done. My team, along with Project Harmony partners, will ensure the work continues and focus will be on building resilience and preventing crime in the future.”
Councillor Norma Stephenson, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Access, Communities and Community Safety, said: “We are delighted to be working alongside Cleveland Police on this scheme and it’s clear to see what a positive impact it has made in the community in a relatively short period of time.
“We are very grateful to the hundreds of residents who responded to the survey, which has led to the multi-agency drop-in on the March 27 at the Stockton Family Hub.
“So if you live or work in the Ropner area, I’d urge you to come along to get advice and support from a variety of partners.”
From L-R: Jon Carling of Catalyst, Jane Hobbs of Thirteen, Cllr Norma Stephenson, Enforcement Officer Richard Bradford, Ashleigh Taylor of Cornerhouse Youth Project, Enforcement Officer Jameil Khan, Superintendent John Wrintmore and Sergeant Gavin Wiedman of Cleveland Police.