Town centre safety drive gets £2.3 million boost

Middlesbrough’s town centre is set to benefit from a multi-million-pound programme designed to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour while supporting business growth and investment.

A new partnership between the Tees Valley Combined Authority, Middlesbrough Council, Cleveland Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner will introduce a range of measures to improve safety across the town centre.

Backed by more than £2.3 million in funding from the Tees Valley Investment Zone, Middlesbrough Council and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, the three-year initiative will focus on prevention, enforcement and support.

Plans include additional Police Community Support Officers and Neighbourhood Safety Wardens, enhanced CCTV monitoring and new support workers to help vulnerable individuals, reducing repeat offending.

The programme will also build on existing services, including extended opening hours at the Middlesbrough Safe Haven, while providing targeted support for people affected by domestic abuse, homelessness and substance misuse.

Officials say the scheme is intended to make the town centre safer and more welcoming for residents, visitors and businesses, while encouraging greater footfall and private sector investment.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen said: “This is about making a real, visible difference in Middlesbrough town centre – cracking down on crime and yob behaviour.

“We know that safe, welcoming town centres are absolutely vital to attracting businesses, boosting visitor numbers and driving economic growth. 

“By bringing together our partners and taking a joined-up approach, we’re not only tackling the root causes of crime but creating the conditions for Middlesbrough to thrive.

“This action will deliver stronger enforcement, better prevention and targeted support – and it will play a key role in unlocking future investment and opportunity for the town.”

Alongside reducing crime and antisocial behaviour, the programme aims to improve public confidence, attract new businesses, reduce vacant units and establish long-term partnership working to support the ongoing regeneration of Middlesbrough town centre.

Middlesbrough mayor Chris Cooke added: “Great things are happening in our town centre. 

“We have thriving businesses including STACK, Level X and Bloom. 

“More new restaurants and bars will open in the coming months and we’ve seen thousands of people enjoy the first of the ten-year anniversary Orange Pip Markets.

“We’ll soon host the famous arts Turner Prize at MIMA and celebrate the football club’s 150th anniversary together as a town.

“Alongside all that positivity we’re determined to make sure the town centre feels like a safe and welcoming environment so we can continue making Middlesbrough thrive.

“This investment would see more boots on the ground to provide a deterrent to any troublemakers and reassurance to people who just want to go about their day. 

“It would bolster the hard work done by our wardens and neighbourhood safety wardens alongside the police.”

Daryll Tomlinson, Middlesbrough neighbourhood policing superintendent added: “Tackling criminals, supporting victims and protecting our communities are key priorities for Cleveland Police. 

“This, alongside highly visible and engaged policing, helps make our town centres vibrant, desirable and safer places for residents, visitors and businesses.

“This initiative is built on the strength of existing partnerships, boosting the current enhanced policing offer in the town centre, with more PCSOs, increased victim support, and the use of the full range of powers and technology at our disposal.

“We are looking forward to contributing to a safer Middlesbrough town centre and to seeing the positive impact this partnership work will have.”

Police and crime commissioner Matt Storey added: "Residents regularly tell me about their concerns around town centre safety, with many witnessing antisocial behaviour, retail crime and drug-related offending on a regular basis. 

“This isn't right – everyone should be able to visit local leisure spaces without feeling fearful or worried about their safety.

“This project is an excellent example of collaboration between organisations to respond to community concerns, by working together to make our town centres safer.

“The investment will add a welcome boost to my recent investment in neighbourhood policing and complement the dedicated town centre officers recently introduced through the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee.

“I’m confident that this approach to invest in high visibility patrols, tough enforcement action and support for vulnerable people will make a real impact in improving safety for visitors, businesses and town centre workers.”

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