A SECRET crime-fighting facility for specialists to tackle serious and organised crime in the North-East has been opened.

Activities such as child sexual exploitation, human trafficking, modern day slavery, drug-related crimes, cyber-crime and fraud will be analysed by experts from the region’s three police forces and national organisations.

The location of the North-East Regional Crime Prevention Centre is not being disclosed for security reasons.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland, Barry Coppinger, said: “Some threats and risks to our safety can only be dealt with by drawing together the best resources and expertise available, both regionally and nationally.”

Professionals will work together to share intelligence and the new base is home to a number of bodies, including the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the North-East Regional Special Operations Unit (NERSOU).

County Durham Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner Ron Hogg said: “Our police forces now have a unique opportunity to work together with the NCA to share intelligence and jointly tackle cross-regional issues such as child sexual exploitation and cybercrime, for which vulnerable people are often the targets.”

The overall cost of the centre was funded using £1.6 million from the region’s three crime commissioners, £1.5 million from the Home Office and a substantial contribution from the NCA.

Dame Vera Baird, Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria, said: “NERSOU has been at the forefront of addressing some of the region’s most harmful crime since its foundation.

“This is an exciting step forward for Northumbria and one that will allow us to bring even greater focus on protecting the most vulnerable in our communities.”

Nikki Holland, director of investigations at National Crime Agency, said the centre will enable multiple law enforcement agencies to collaborate, and effectively share information and resources.

She said: “Working so closely will bolster our response to serious and organised crime in the North-East.

“It will allow us to disrupt criminal activity and bring offenders to justice.

“This means we are able to safeguard the most vulnerable in our communities.”