An area of Stockton has been chosen for the Home Office’s ‘Clear, Hold, Build’ Pilot under Cleveland Police Force.
Clear, Hold, Build is a method used to tackle and prevent organised crime within areas with high levels of crime and anti-social behaviour.
CHB is a multi-agency partnership tactic, designed by the Home Office and endorsed by the Policing Inspectorate, to rescue, reclaim and rebuild areas of the country most blighted by organised crime.
The operation follows a three step structure, and following Merseyside Police and West Yorkshire Police’s successful campaigns, they have since expanded the target area.
First, police clear the area by closely pursuing gang members (arrests and relentless disruption) within a condensed area.
They then hold the area through interventions, counter-measures and contingency plans so that more criminals can’t take advantage of the vacuum.
Finally, police work alongside partners to build the area to become more prosperous and less attractive to criminals.
Parkfield & Oxbridge has been chosen for the pilot based on CHB criteria outlined by the Home Office and evidence based profiles.
The reasons for the choice included evidence based research, which examined the imposed threat of organised crime groups onto the area, the rate and severity of criminal activity in the area, and opportunities for partnership working.
Speaking after the announcement, Matt Vickers MP said:
“I welcome the announcement that Parkfield and Oxbridge will be involved in the Clear, Hold, Build pilot.
“The community is tormented by a small number of violent and criminal individuals, and only a hardened, aggressive and visible stance will correct this.
“Clear, Hold, Build shows a stepping up of the response in an area that for too long has been blighted by crime and anti-social behaviour. There are now 257 more Police on Cleveland’s streets and I want to see this resource used on initiatives like this to make a real difference to the lives of local people.
“Weeding out the gang members and dangerous individuals will reduce the levels of violence, stop the flow of illegal drugs into our local communities and give us a fresh slate to start again.
“The plan opens doors for the local community, community organisations and statutory partners work together with the police. I am hopeful that once successful, this tactic will have created an environment with wider opportunity for the area’s young people, and reduced anxiety for the vulnerable.”
