Salvation Army supports Sunderland crime tackling initiative

The Salvation Army has been praised for its support during an initiative that helped tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in Sunderland. 

Led by Northumbria Police, Operation Impact was carried out last month in Sunderland City Centre with a focus on tackling serious criminality within the community and making the streets safer. 

The Salvation Army Emergency Response Van was on hand to provide refreshments and pastoral support to police, council workers and others involved in the operation, which saw nine arrests made for various offences, as well as the seizure of illegal and counterfeit goods. There was also information sharing and a chance for members of the public to speak to agencies about issues they are facing in their communities. 

In a letter thanking The Salvation Army for their support, Area Commander for Sunderland, Chief Superintendent Mark Hall, said the aim of the operation was to ‘mitigate seasonal issues, addressing crime and antisocial behaviour whilst targeting engagement to improve trust and confidence within the locality.’ 

He continued: “A huge thank you to the Salvation Army for providing refreshment support… I’d like to thank both you and your organisation for your continued partnership support and your efforts in delivering a successful operation.” 

Julie Judson, Salvation Army Chaplain and Deputy Emergency Response Co-ordinator for The Salvation Army in the North East, said: “Our Emergency Response Vehicle was on hand to support all of those involved in this operation providing refreshments and food, as well as a friendly face during what was a busy day. 

“To be called upon to support in multi-agency initiatives such as this shows how much The Salvation Army is trusted and valued by those we serve.” 

The Salvation Army continues to support the communities of Sunderland via a local authority initiative to establish community safety hubs across the city to help tackle anti-social behaviour. 

The hubs, which will promote partnership working bringing together Sunderland City Council, Northumbria Police, community groups and others all under one roof, are being launched at six locations city wide later this month. As part of this service Salvation Army churches and projects across the city have been invited to provide partnership support, to promote Salvation Army ministry and to engage with the communities they serve.

Mark Billard, The Salvation Army’s Divisional Mission Officer for The North East, said: “The people of Sunderland have a deep sense of community which is evidenced through their caring nature and genuine warmth for one another. It is these shared values which make Salvation Army involvement in the hubs less about how we support our neighbourhoods and all about how we learn to live as community.”