MESSAGE: Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Evison
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Welcome to my latest column and the opportunity to highlight the work my team and I have been involved in and are set to carry out in the coming months.
As Christmas rapidly approaches, it is important to know that gifting an e-scooter or e-bike could prove to be both a considerable waste of your money and a disappointment for the receiver.
While these items are readily available from reputable, recognisable outlets, use of them in public spaces is illegal, no matter what speeds they reach.
Should someone be caught by the police riding an e-scooter or e-bike, the device will be confiscated and destroyed. Riders may receive points on their driving licence – even if they are not yet old enough to hold one.
I expect that this information will come as a surprise for many of you. I have been lobbying for clearer, stronger legislation on the issue for some time and continue to do so.
It is also important for you to understand the serious safety concerns for riders. Instances of injuries from e-scooter and e-bike use are a growing trend in A&E departments across the region while, unfortunately, there have been fatalities elsewhere in the country.
It is clear of course that e-scooters and e-bikes are not simply an issue for users. Results of my surveys on crime and anti-social behaviour have they are the top area of concern for the public across the Humber region and it is my determination to drive an effective response.
Humberside Police are carrying out reviews of operations to ensure the best possible means are used to address the issue under the current legislative framework. It is my expectation that the force uses the full powers available to them when tackling use of these devices.
Significant progress has been made in this region with the use of drones – funded by my office – which have helped officers track riders and successfully confiscate devices, but there is still work to be done to address something which is of considerable concern to many people.
I can assure you that this is an issue that remains high on my agenda and I will be working closely with our partners to ensure it is addressed.
PCC praises contractors
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside has praised the “expertise and capability” of companies in the region after three Hull-based firms were appointed to maintenance contracts for Humberside Police.
Following a rigorous tender process for maintenance, testing and repairs, Airkool Contracts Ltd, GEO Houlton & Sons Ltd and SR Black Plumbing and Heating Ltd were each successful in bids to fulfil service requirements across the force and Humberside Fire and Rescue Service.
On behalf of the commissioner, the project was led by the Joint Estate Service and Procurement Team to conduct the tender process which was open to any contractors.
In total, 21 contractors submitted bids for elements of the contract and, following thorough examination, three local companies emerged as the preferred candidates.
Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Evison said: “My priority is always to aim to support the communities we serve, and this new maintenance contract reflects that commitment.
“Although this was a fully open and competitive route to market, I am pleased that the successful tenders came from three proud Hull-based companies – Airkool Ltd, GEO Houlton and Sons Ltd, and SR Blacks Ltd.
“Seeing local companies succeed through an open process reinforces the value of the expertise and capability we have here in the Humber region. Their involvement helps maintain employment, supports apprentices starting their careers, and keeps valuable knowledge rooted within our community.
“I’m especially pleased that the contract also includes support for local community projects, ensuring that this investment reaches far beyond buildings and services. It helps strengthen neighbourhoods, create opportunities, and contribute to the wellbeing of residents across Hull and the wider region.
“This is about more than maintenance – it’s about pride in our community and working together to support the people who rely on us every day.”
Through the Procurement Act 2023, a minimum of ten per cent of the full tender project must be set for a social value and sustainability contribution. This project mandated a measure of ‘local people employed and retained.’
Across the lifespan of the contract – which runs until March 31, 2030 with a 12-month extension option – more than £5.9million will have been contributed to employing local people.
OPCC teams with Hull City to tackle domestic abuse
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Humberside has renewed its partnership with Hull City to deliver a campaign tackling domestic abuse and related issues.
Campaign messaging will be displayed at the MKM Stadium, along with the stadia of Grimsby Town and Scunthorpe United, throughout the 2026/27 season following a successful first year of partnership.
This year’s branding builds upon the Better Man campaign which challenges and inspires men to ask for help to change their behaviour and take accountability for their actions. By taking the first step and seeking help, they will be signposted to a range of specialist support services with the ultimate goal of creating a safer environment for partners and children.
Support services include guidance on mental health, emotional regulation, healthy relationships and drug and/or alcohol dependency.
The campaign also provides routes to support for those impacted by abusive behaviour.
Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Evison said: “We are pleased to renew our partnership with our three football clubs to amplify this important messaging and thank them for their support.
“It takes courage to recognise issues with your own behaviour and the first step towards addressing it is considerable. By taking that step, you will be guided to support services who will help, not judge, and guide you onto a path to becoming a better version of yourself by eradicating harmful behaviour.
“Issues such as stress, anger, substance abuse and poor mental health inevitably have an impact on your relationships, but support is available before things get worse. No solution will be found in suffering alone.
“The messaging is quite simple – take the step to being a Better Man and in turn become a better partner, a better dad and create a safer world for women and children, free from abuse.
“As always, those experiencing abuse remain our priority. Know that help is available to you and that you are not alone.”
Work is underway to support each of the three clubs to access to active bystander training for staff to help identify and respond to inappropriate behaviour.
More information on the support services available via the Better Man campaign can be found by visiting www.thebetterman.org.uk.
Support for victims
Extra support is being provided for victims across the Humber region who are concerned or impacted by the Government’s early prison release scheme.
The first tranche of releases under the Sentencing Act 2026 is now underway and, at the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Humberside, we understand this may be worrying for those who have been victims of crime.
The OPCC has been awarded £145,000 from the Ministry of Justice to fund additional capacity within local support services for victims.
Victim Support has a dedicated Offender Release Helpline to provide information, emotional and practical support and help to access other services for those affected by, or concerned about, the release of an offender.
The helpline is there to:
Listen to victims and survivors’ concerns and offer emotional support
Discuss wellbeing, safety and possible next steps
Provide practical guidance and help callers understand what the changes may mean
Explain how someone may be able to seek further information. The helpline cannot provide information about individual offenders or case specific release dates
Help people access ongoing or specialist support where appropriate.
The Offender Release Helpline is available on 0808 168 9280.
To contact our local Victim Support Service, call 0800 368 7586.
Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Evison visited staff at Victim Support to present commendations to recognise their incredible work with victims of the Legacy Independent Funeral Directors case.
