Northumbria Police are reminding Jesmond residents to report any suspicious activity in attempts to reduce rates of burglary in the run-up to Christmas, following the a spate of incidents, including the theft of wrapped Christmas presents from a home in Gateshead.

Local policing teams are asking residents to keep a look out and report any suspicious vehicles or people in neighbourhoods, or activity in people’s gardens or property during the day or night. This advice comes during Northumbria Police’s Operation Soundwave, supported by crime commissioner Vera Baird, which aims to tackle thieves and burglaries across the force.

As part of the operation, people are asked not to leave goods on show which may pass a tempting thief and to store away any valuables, including any presents. The operation has resulted in a 16% reduction of theft and burglary when compared with the same period last year – a drop of 369 offences so far.

Earlier this month Northumbria Police released details of several examples of burglars who will be spending this festive season in prison.

Northumbria Police Superintendent Sav Patsalos said that “while getting offenders behind bars does play a role in preventing burglaries from taking place, crime prevention is equally important.”

Police have explained the use of extra patrols within the communities to prevent offences from taking place, yet Patsalos added that “the public are our eyes and ears and information from them can make all the difference.”

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North East Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird said: “I’m delighted the work that has been carried out in the force’s neighbourhoods in Newcastle has helped provide reassurance and confidence to these communities and I hope people living there will take the opportunity to talk to their neighbourhood officers if they need any help or advice.”

Superintendent Patsalos has given examples of reporting suspicious activity, such as people trying door handles and people hiding in the street. Reporting such seemingly simple activities have helped officers to make swift arrests.

Patsalos has also explained how this information is important to local police forces so pictures can be built of what is happening across the force which enables better targeted actions. “These are people stealing from and bringing misery to their own communities and by working together we can continue to make sure our communities are safe places to live.”

To find out more visit http://www.northumbria.police.uk to view press releases on the details of those offenders spending the festive season in prison and for further information on Northumbria Police’s theft and burglary target operation Soundwave.