Additional patrols at The Hoppings to keep visitors safe

Europe’s largest travelling funfair returns to the Town Moor in Newcastle from Friday, June 16 to Sunday, June 25 and is expected to draw huge crowds of around 500,000 visitors.

Newcastle City Council, Northumbria Police and NE1 will be putting extra officers on patrol to provide reassurance to the public, prevent and deter anti-social behaviour and ensure everyone can enjoy the funfair safely.

The multi-agency team will be deployed every night from 5pm to 11pm at The Hoppings, as well as in other areas of the city such as Haymarket, Exhibition Park and Brandling Park.

Cllr Paula Maines, Newcastle City Council Cabinet member for a Resilient City, said: “The Hoppings is a well-loved Newcastle tradition that families and visitors have enjoyed for generations.

“With huge crowds expected over the 10 days, it is incredibly important we make sure everyone can enjoy the fantastic attractions, rides and stalls safely.

“We have put additional patrols in place to support the work we will be doing to provide reassurance to the public and to deal with any issues of anti-social behaviour promptly.

“Newcastle is a safe city thanks to the efforts of the Safe Newcastle partnership and we hope everyone who visits The Hoppings has a brilliant time.”

Detective Chief Inspector Rob Bosson, of Northumbria Police, said: “The Hoppings promises to be yet another fantastic occasion and we hope everyone visiting enjoys themselves.

“We have worked closely with our Safe Newcastle partners in the build-up to the event and will have a proportionate policing presence in place for the duration of the fair.

“If you do have any concerns or queries while attending, please approach one of our officers who will be able to assist.”

Tariq Albassam, Director of Operations at Newcastle NE1, said: “NE1 is delighted to be working in partnership with the police, the Council and other parties to make sure that the Hoppings can be enjoyed safely by the tens of thousands of families and visitors who come to enjoy it.

“Our extra patrols are designed to make sure that everything runs smoothly and everyone enjoys their visit.

“Continuing what has been an incredible month of major events for the city, we are working with our partners to ensure that this is another hugely successful and safe event for everyone, and one the city can be proud of.

The additional patrols are being funded by the Council's Better Lives, Safer Communities programme, where an extra £1.5m is being invested to tackle anti-social behaviour in the city.

Funding has also been provided by the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner’s Violence Reduction Unit.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “The Hoppings is a true Tyneside institution.

“Growing up here you really get how special it is – literally everyone you know heads down to the Town Moor - from teenagers to whole families.

“There really is a lot of work that goes into preparations ahead of a fair of this scale too - from policing to travel arrangements.

“And through my Violence Reduction Unit I am funding a range of youth work and interventions to help prevent any disorder and unwanted behaviour from spoiling the fun of the fair and ruining what I hope will be a safe and really enjoyable weekend for all.”

To report incidents of anti-social behaviour, call police on 101 or visit the ‘Tell Us Something’ page https://services.northumbria.police.uk/online-services/tell-us-something/

In an emergency, or if a crime is happening, always ring 999.