Crimes on the rise in Heaton according to statistics released by the police. Hundreds more offences have been reported to the police in comparison to last year. The ten percent increase brings the total number of offences to just under five and half thousand.
This increase in criminal activity has been seen not just in Heaton but has been mirrored nationwide, with an increase of 13% seen across the country.
Anti-social behaviour is the most common criminal offence in this area of Newcastle, with over 114 reports to the police in December this year alone, though most crime categories have risen in Newcastle’s East End according to the data.
With NE6 and NE2 being majority residential areas burglary is high in comparison to the rest of the city, with students being targeted by thieves especially, due to a perceived lack of security measures.
Crime in 2016 and 2017 within Heaton
Northumbria University student and Heaton resident Jack Powell feels that living in the area has meant he is always worried about arriving home to a burgled house.
“A few people I know who live in the area have had their houses broken into and had stuff stolen, so it plays on your mind,” claims Mr. Powell. “I once came home to find a man rummaging through the recycling paper bin at the front of my house, I thought it was funny at the time but found out later that criminals do this to try and get credit card details, and other personal information.”
More worryingly crimes involving violent behaviour have also increased by almost 20% in the Heaton area, a trend also mirrored nationally. Former head of Northumbria Police Lord Stevens said in an interview last month that, “In the Northumbria Police force area violent crime is soaring; up by 50%, and it will get worse, unless something is done.”
Lord Stevens view is echoed by Heaton local John O’Grady, who told Heaton Online “I love living here, but sometimes I do feel unsafe, especially at night. It would be nice to see more police on the streets and would probably help with my nerves.”
A lack in funding from the government has led to the number of police officers working for the Northumbria service dropping by 20% since 2010. With less officers on the streets of NE6 it is unclear how this increase in crime can be stopped.
Though there is hope to curb the rise in crime in Newcastle with the Safe Newcastle partnership, a scheme working to help make Newcastle a safe city to live and work. They are the city’s statutory community safety partnership and drug action team and have received an increase in funding in recent times comparatively to the Northumbria Police.
With a sizeable amount of time until a General or Newcastle City Council Election it is unclear when a change will be made to policy on crime in the city, with the issue being sure to influence voters at the ballot box.
The home secretary, Amber Rudd, has acknowledged the rise in police recorded crime but said much of the increase could be explained by changes in police recording practices and the fact that victims are now more likely to report crime.
Northumbria Police state that if you’ve been the victim of a crime or think you have witnessed one, you should report it to the police straight away. In a non-emergency call 101 or in an emergency you should dial 999 immediately.
Newcastle residents talk about their experiences with crime in Newcastle
Heaton Online 