HALO in Easington Lane

The HALO project (Hetton Aspirations Linking Opportunities) began its work in February last year and followed the similar and successful project SARA in Southwick (Southwick Altogether Raising Aspirations).

HALO is now covering Easington Lane and seeing the City Council and its partners, including Northumbria Police, Gentoo, and the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue all working more closely together for the community.

HALO in Hetton has been running for 18 months and led to 44 arrests, processed more than 2,000 pieces of community intelligence, and issued 12 court summons. One special operation - Operation TIAMA - combatting lead thieves has helped reduce metal thefts by 90 per cent. Burglary reports have fallen from 27 in May 2022 to four by January 2023 and reports of theft and criminal damage have dropped. Residents in Hetton continue to receive advice and security improvements.

Alongside reducing crime and anti-social behaviour, HALO's priorities include health, housing, environmental improvements and building links within the community.

Councillor Claire Rowntree is Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council, Cabinet Member for Clean Green City and a Hetton ward member.

She said: "We've seen very positive impacts with HALO in Hetton and we are delighted with its expansion into Easington Lane. One of the most important points from here at the City Council and from our partners whether in the police, the fire service, housing, or elsewhere, is that we want to hear more from the community and all residents.

"We all want better streets and neighbourhoods and what is crucial to this is strengthening links in the community and hearing more from residents. We are all listening and want to hear what the community is thinking and seeing. The feedback and reports that we get all help build up information for the bigger picture and allow us to take positive actions that improve community safety."

To report issues please contact HALO's Community Engagement Worker, Kellie Richardson on 0788 1202 026 or LetsTalkHALO@sunderland.gov.uk You can follow HALO on the LetsTalkHALO Facebook page to keep up to date with its work.

HALO in Hetton won the Northumbria Police Proactive Policing Award earlier this year for its achievements in helping the community.

Area Commander for South Tyneside and Sunderland, Chief Superintendent Barrie Joisce of Northumbria Police and HALO Strategic Board Chair, said: "This is welcome news as we continue to work successfully in collaboration with our partners to fight crime and keep people safe in Hetton, Easington Lane and the surrounding areas.

"The HALO project continues to go from strength-to-strength and delivers brilliant results in the communities it serves. The expansion of the multi-agency initiative into Easington Lane will ensure more residents benefit from our collaborative approach which enables us to tackle the issues that matter most to the local community."

HALO has recently installed additional CCTV to help reassure and improve community safety and continues to receive positive feedback from residents.

Station Manager for Rainton Bridge Community Fire Station Scott Wilson said "The HALO project has been a great community initiative over the last 18 months and it's great to see it expanding to give more people in the city of Sunderland the opportunity to get involved."

The HALO team are based at the Hetton Centre and preparing office space in Easington Lane.