What is being done and why
Nationally
In England, the national strategy to tackle drug-related crime is outlined in the “From Harm to Hope: A 10-Year Drugs Plan,” which includes a £900 million investment to rebuild drug treatment and recovery services, disrupt county lines and organised drug supply networks, and expand drug testing on arrest with treatment referrals. The aim is to reduce drug-related deaths, break the cycle of addiction-driven crime, and improve public safety. Regionally, the North East’s “Reducing Reoffending Plan 2022–25” focuses on targeted support for prison leavers with substance misuse issues, partnerships with local authorities and health services to improve access to treatment and housing, and a particular emphasis on women and vulnerable groups, aiming to reduce reoffending by addressing root causes like addiction and social exclusion. Locally, Hartlepool’s “Drug and Alcohol Strategy 2023–2028” prioritises prevention, early intervention, and recovery through community-based treatment services, harm reduction, and a multi-agency approach to reduce drug-related crime and health inequalities, responding to the area’s higher-than-average substance misuse rates.
On the issue of anti-social behaviour (ASB), the national “Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan (2024)” introduces hotspot policing, “Immediate Justice” schemes such as graffiti clean-up within 48 hours, a ban on nitrous oxide, expanded drug testing, and digital reporting tools to restore public confidence and reduce ASB’s impact on communities. In the North East, the “Durham PCC Safer Communities Plan (2025)” supports community peer mentoring, victim services, targeted ASB enforcement, neighbourhood policing, and public engagement campaigns to build safer, more resilient communities and reduce repeat incidents. Locally, the “Safer Hartlepool Partnership Strategy” includes increased enforcement on Class A drugs and ASB hotspots, community engagement through “Face the People” sessions, and collaboration with neighbourhood policing teams to reduce visible crime and improve community trust.
In England, serious crime—including violent offences, organised crime, and weapon-related incidents—is addressed through several national strategies. The Crime and Policing Bill (2025) expands police powers to investigate and disrupt serious offending, including new powers for drug testing on arrest, rapid entry to premises for stolen goods recovery, and enhanced access to digital evidence. The Specified Information Order (2025) outlines six national priorities for policing, including reducing serious violence and disrupting drug supply and county lines.
Regionally
Regionally, Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) are required to report quarterly on their force’s contribution to reducing serious violence, homicide, and organised crime. These reports inform strategic planning and resource allocation across the North East, with emphasis on intelligence-led policing, multi-agency coordination, and community engagement.
Locally
Locally, Hartlepool benefits from the Cleveland Serious Violence Reduction Programme, which includes targeted interventions in high-risk areas, youth violence prevention initiatives, and partnership working between police, probation, and public health teams. However, while these efforts exist, they are not yet formalised into a dedicated serious crime strategy tailored to Hartlepool’s specific needs.