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Northumbria Police are preparing for a rise in anti-social behaviour around Halloween and Bonfire night by upping patrols in Jesmond.

Neighbourhood Inspector Julie Rana told JesmondLocal that the police remain uncomplacent in their work to tackle anti-social behaviour.

“We do see an increase in anti-social behaviour around Halloween and Bonfire Night and there is a lot of ongoing work being done to address this.” she said.

“Throughout the coming weeks we will be carrying out regular patrols in the area to deter any criminal behaviour and reassure members of the local community.”

This time of year remains a strain on the emergency service’s resources. Last year, North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) took 11% more 999 calls than predicted on Halloween – nearly 200 more than the previous Tuesday.

Gerardine Hope, service manager for call handling at NEAS, said: “Fireworks and bonfires are a lot of fun but it’s so important for residents to be cautious and to enjoy the celebrations responsibly. Acting irresponsibly around fires and fireworks can have devastating effects, can cause life threatening injuries and can even cost lives.”

Police officers have also been in contact with numerous schools in the area to remind pupils of the impact of their behaviour on the local community.

Anti-social behaviour is already a main priority for police in the area during the academic term. Operation Oak has been running for several years with the sole focus on tackling student related anti-social behaviour.

On key nights during the academic term, officers patrol the area and engage with the student community to prevent noisy-parties and the transient noise incurred by students preparing for a night out and returning in the early hours of the morning, according to the Northumbria Police website.

Officers will be deployed on Operation Oak every Friday and Saturday from 11pm until 5 am. Any resident wishing to report student related anti-social behaviour during these hours should ring 07594 898148.