Submitted by Carrie Brookes on 5 Aug 2024 - 1:45pm
The recent violent events on the streets of Middlesbrough have been shocking and do not reflect the true spirit of our community. This is not the Middlesbrough we know and love, and it certainly does not represent the vast majority of our residents.
Our team joined the Amal Project and partners on the streets the following day after the riots to help with the cleanup. We are committed to providing immediate and long-term support to charities, groups, and communities as we deal with the aftermath of the riots.
Advice and Coordination
We are collecting information and guidance from other agencies about ongoing threats and rumours, with a lot of misinformation circulating. Cleveland Police is using the media and its social media channels with updates for the public (Facebook & X).
We have also collated advice and resources below shared by the VCS Emergencies Partnership.
Riot Compensation - how to claim
There is a Government compensation scheme following riots. You have 43 days from the date of the riot (4th August for Middlesbrough) to put in a claim, by reporting your damage to the Police, getting a crime reference number and completing a form.
The Office for Police Crime Commission (OPCC) has published information on this, to support those affected by damage or loss of property in the recent disorder in Middlesbrough and Hartlepool.
If property is not adequately insured, individuals can claim compensation under the Riot Compensation Act from the local police ‘claims authority’. For Cleveland, this is the Police and Crime Commissioner.
View the information page containing further guidance on the process and a claims form
The general advice for residents/businesses is:
- Report the crime to police. A crime reference number will be required.
- Make a claim through insurance.
- If insurance is not held, or their claim is rejected, they can submit a claim to the Riot Compensation Fund via the form on the website.
If your organisation has been collecting details from community members wishing to apply for compensation you can share these directly with the OPCC to ensure they are logged, by emailing pcc.office@cleveland.police.uk or calling 01642 301861.
They also recognise the need to support communities to complete the necessary paperwork, especially where English is not a first language. The OPCC is keen to work with community organisations to assist them with this work, specifically translation and language support. If you can assist with this, please contact Hannah Smith, Head of Communications, Digital Media and Engagement, Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland. Tel: 01642 301664 Email: hannah.smith3@cleveland.police.uk
Reporting a Hate Crime in Middlesbrough
You can report a hate crime directly to the Police, or get support with making your report through local charities, groups and organisations. They are listed at the link below and can offer support, advice and ways to report the incident without having to talk directly to the police.
Fundraising appeal
Point North Community Foundation has set up a fund for donations. The Point North Tees Valley fund is aiming to raise £50,000 to support:
“….groups and projects helping people come together to rebuild and heal following the appalling violence we've seen in our towns and cities recently.”
We encourage you to share this appeal on your communication channels to gather a coordinated place for donations.
Longer Term
We understand that rebuilding community cohesion will take time. Unfortunately, this isn't the first time immigrant communities have faced hostility during times of national social and economic instability. The violent actions of a few do not reflect the values of Middlesbrough residents, who cherish our vibrant and diverse community.
We will repair, rebuild and unite our wonderful home together.
Stay safe, Love from everyone at MVDA
Photo from Teesside Live from the community clearing up after riots.
Staying safe and useful resources
The safety and security of your staff, volunteers and the people you support is paramount, the VCS Emergencies Partnership have pulled together a few basic suggestions that partners may want to consider:
Prioritise your people
- Communicate with them, raise their awareness and make sure you give them up to date guidance on how to keep themselves and others safe
- Consider travel times and routes
- Be careful about your brand and how that brand identity may put your people at risk
- Review your policies, contact details and emergency plans
Protect your properties
- Review your business continuity plans
- Consider guidance on what makes your buildings safer… recognising some are quick fixes, but many may take longer to implement (more details below)
- Don’t forget the vacant buildings – these can be easy targets
Useful resources
Workplace safety, securing buildings and compensation
- Government compensation scheme following riots including victims of criminal damage to property, including Cleveland OPCC
- Hope not Hate guide to staying safe amidst far-right violence including community buildings and accommodation
- Health and Safety Executive have guidance on violence and aggression in the workplace
- Muslim Council of Britain have a range of resources on mosque safety
- Gov.UK funding for protective Security Schemes for places of worship
Dealing with trauma
- UK Trauma Council has published resources for those working with children and young people affected by trauma and bereavement.
- British Red Cross offer workshops on Empathy and Migration and Coping With Challenges for young people.
- How to talk to children about conflict, talking about major emergency and dealing with emotional and physical distress.
Community Cohesion
- British Future provide a practical guide to calling out hatred and prejudice
- Belong Network have blogged on preventing tension and conflict in communities: and good practice on building shared ground and addressing community tensions
- Involve share a framework on building community cohesion
- Victim Support provide information for victims of hate crime
- Tell Mama UK share how misinformation and disinformation about the Southport stabbings went viral
- Open source guidance on how to spot ‘fake news’ for young people and understanding hate crime for children
For the longer term
The NaCTSO Counter Terrorism Crime Prevention Toolkit is aimed at small organisations. It contains helpful, low-cost solutions to deter crime and counter terrorism e.g. making it difficult to gain access to premises, increasing chance of detection and reducing access to contents and victims.
A 5-step process for risk management is outlined here: ProtectUK Risk Management Guidance - including guidance around CCTV, doors and locks, windows, shutters and grilles – as well as how to develop a security culture. The E-Learning | ProtectUK package is a good place to start with developing understanding and practice in this area. They have also provided guidance for staff work (Run Hide Tell)
