Gateshead Council has introduced new safety measures this spring 2026 to help residents feel more secure in the town centre in Tyne and Wear. The update includes the arrival of visible safety hubs called Safer PODs and the continued use of three Town Centre Ambassadors to help people and watch for trouble.
These additions are part of a wider regional effort called Project Shield, which was started in July 2024 by Northumbria Police and other local groups. The project focuses on cutting down on bad behaviour and crime in specific areas that have struggled with these issues in the past.
Since the work began, officials have seen a drop in anti-social behaviour, with some areas seeing a 32 per cent reduction. On public transport, reports of bad behaviour have fallen by as much as 38 per cent across the region.
While the current measures are in place, Susan Dungworth, the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, has shared concerns that there is no guarantee for funding in the long term. The future of these safety patrols and hubs will depend on whether central government provides more money for the region next year.
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