Cleveland PCC reflects on his first year in the office

Cleveland PCC Matt Storey has helped to launch a ten-year strategy to tackle domestic abuse and well as publishing his Police and Crime plan.

And the Labour politician has welcomed the news that the force will receive almost £2.5m from the government’s Neighbourhood policing Guarantee to tackle crime of the streets of Teesside.

As he reflects on his first year, he said: “It’s been a fantastic first year and I have relished every moment of meeting our communities to find out what matters to them and how I can make their lives better and safer.

“The foundations of my Police and Crime Plan have been wholly based on these public priorities and I am happy to say we are making steady progress against my promises, particularly around delivering more visible and effective policing.

“We are going to soon have over 60 additional officers, staff and volunteers on the ground, and I know their presence will be keenly felt by our neighbourhoods.

“There are of course many challenges still to face and I will continue to work closely with the Chief Constable to deliver on my plan to get tough on crime and build safe, strong and confident communities in Cleveland.”

See more court stories from The Northern Echo by clicking here

• ​Man smashed door with a hammer when he tried to buy cigarettes from wrong house

• Bishop Auckland woman left partner with a black eye when she attacked him at home

• E-bike rider ploughed into man at high speed when he stepped out of bus stop

Unlock unlimited local news subscribe today and save 30% off an annual subscription. Enjoy access to our ad-free mobile and tablet app, as well as the digital edition of the paper. Don’t miss out – subscribe now! Click here for details.

In the year ahead, Matt will appoint a new Chief Constable to lead the force following Mark Webster’s announcement that he plans to retire in the summer.

The PCC’s office has published a detailed delivery plan providing transparency to the public about what is being worked on over the next 12 months.

Each quarter, progress will be reported back to the Cleveland Police and Crime Panel and will be available to read.

And later this month, his office will launch a Cleveland Knife Crime Action Plan to bring organisations together to reduce the harm and devastation caused by knife crime.