Recognising the seriousness of COVID-19 and the importance of social distancing, Northumbria Police are planning to engage with the public through digital platforms.

Northumbria Police asking people to interact with them through a new community messaging system, rather than traditional means, accessible here.

Regular updates will still be posted on the Northumbria Police website and social media.

A police spokesperson said: “We all need to look out for each other and show the community spirit our region is famous for.”

If you do need to speak to an officer about a non-urgent enquiry then you can contact the police on 0191 437 5525 or via central.ceo@northumbria.pnn.police.uk

The change in communication comes as the amount of crime in Jesmond has slightly decreased in the first two months of 2020 as crime operations are introduced, despite levels of vehicle crime rising. 

In 2019, between January and December, 1,755 crimes were committed including 667 anti-social behaviour cases, 204 sexual offence cases and 159 criminal damage and arson cases. 

Last month, 92 incidents were recorded with the police in Jesmond foot-beat in comparison to the 149 crimes recorded by in February 2019. 

The council has made lowering crime levels in Jesmond a priority in 2020, introducing new Jesmond police operations and new community officers. 

PCSO Elliott Price (4279) and PCSO Steven Hornby (6464) have been added to the neighbourhood policing team, alongside PC Tony Davis (1667) and PC Neil Johnson (8992). Their main aims are to keep the public and their property safe, and to help tackle anti-social behaviour.

The policing team have asked the public to inform them about their concerns directly, as they are able to accurately analyse intelligence based on provenance and personal experience.

They also recommend that members of the community keep all vehicles and properties secure at all times, as the majority of thieves and burglars in the area rely on insecure properties and vehicles. 

JRA chair Kathy Cunningham told JesmondLocal: “The JRA would warmly like to thank community police for working in partnership with the JRA and supporting our committee to tackle anti social behaviour. They will be a valued voice and presence at our meetings.”

As part of more action in Jesmond, a new operation – Operation Delta – has been introduced to target issues surrounding cyclists.

The operation recently started in the area, and will address issues such as: using the correct safety wear and lights, cycling on footpaths, practice when cycling in Jesmond and crime prevention, including bike security.

Officers are expected to be seen in Jesmond undergoing Operation Delta. 

Operation Oak, an operation dedicated to tackling anti-social behaviour, noise and crime prevention in Jesmond and surrounding areas, remains in place. The operations is a multi agency approach in responding to student issues in the area, which is funded by Newcastle and Northumbria University. 

The best way to report to Operation Oak is to text the complaint to 07504898148. This is because officers may be unavailable to answer the phone, but a message will be sent to acknowledge the message has been received. 

Operation Oak Operating Times:

Wednesday: 10pm-3am

Friday: 11pm – 5pm

Saturday: 11pm – 5am

Members of the community police team can also be contacted by inserting their force number at the beginning of this email: @northumbria.pnn.police.uk