What happened 92 times in October, 79 times in September, but only 23 times in August?

If you looked at those numbers and assumed it was the level of anti-social behaviour (ASB) crimes reported in Jesmond (according to the Police UK Jesmond Crime map), you’d be correct. 

While the statistics don’t differentiate between reports of student ASB and ASB from the public, they correlate all too well with the date that students return to Jesmond, with most arriving in early September and leaving the following June. 

Jesmond is one of the housing hotspots for students at both Newcastle and Northumbria University, with many flocking there every year. This of course brings business for Jesmond’s host of pubs, bars and eateries, regularly accompanied by bad behaviour.  

As for Jesmond, a Wednesday sport social night or £2 Tuesday night on Osborne Road normally lives up to such a stereotype, and it was only last year that local Liberal Democrat councillor Gerry Keating claimed Jesmond’s rise in ASB was down to students living in the area. In 2017 JesmondLocal reported that Newcastle was the number one spot for student ASB, showing how Newcastle’s rowdy reputation has never really been shaken off.  

This has of course upset some of the locals who share their home with these students.

“It’s very frustrating”, said one resident. (Highlighting the divisive nature of ASB around Jesmond, all those who spoke to JesmondLocal for this story asked to remain anonymous.) “I appreciate it’s not all students, but it’s such a shame that a few have to spoil the wonderful place we live in,” the resident added.

“We’ve all been young at one point,” were the words of another resident. “I can understand them having fun and partying, but I do find myself wishing they’d be quiet sometimes.” 

Some work is being done to tackle the problem. Operation Oak is a police-run movement that was set up to try and curb the number of incidents involving ASB in student-heavy areas of Newcastle – such as Jesmond, Sandyford, Shieldfield and Ouseburn, places many students move to in their later years of university.  

The operation’s main aim is to tackle student ASB and disorder, in a bid to make safer and quieter areas for residents to live.  This isn’t all they do though, as the operation also acts on any vulnerabilities or safeguarding concerns in their respective area, with them also on hand to offer any advice to residents on crime prevention.  

Operation Oak also works alongside the city’s two universities, Newcastle and Northumbria, who are the project’s main source of funding. As of the 2020-21 academic year, the scheme has been provided with £125,000 per year in funding by the universities to support community policing at peak times.  

A Newcastle University spokesperson told JesmondLocal: “We know Operation Oak is valued by local residents and has helped build a positive relationship between students and the local community. Operation Oak is a great example of how – by working together, and with Northumbria Police and other partners – the two universities are making a meaningful contribution to the local community.” 

A Northumbria University spokesperson added: “We are committed to continuing the excellent work of Operation Oak with our partners to support both permanent and student residents across the city. 

“Each year the police-led initiative funded by Northumbria and Newcastle Universities works to encourage good community relations and minimise disruption to the daily lives of residents because of anti-social behaviour.” 

“The partnership over the last year has held regular engagement meetings with residents to give early intervention to deal with any community issues. Police officers also carry out high-visibility patrols in residential areas that are heavily populated by students such as Jesmond and residents and students are encouraged to report any concerns to them.” 

One of the more common forms of ASB found in Jesmond is student parties, which occur almost weekly. One part of Operation Oak is trying to keep these parties under control and one such party was attended by a student who told JesmondLocal: “I was at a party on Queens Terrace one Friday night, when the police knocked on the door.

“We were told that if there were more than 60 people the police could disperse the party, as well as informing our university”, he continued. 

“While it was certainly annoying, I can understand why and ultimately, I’ve been annoyed by loud house parties before, so I can only imagine how it feels as a senior resident living on a nearby street.” 

If the police do attend an incident like this that they deem to be unreasonable ASB, a report is filed to Newcastle City Council. Council officers review these reports and if deemed necessary, further action such as a written warning, Community Protection Warning or Community Protection Notice.

The police also write to the tenants’ respective universities about any action taken, as well as contacting the license holder of the students’ property. JesmondLocal approach the council to participate in this story, but didn’t receive a response.

Have you experienced ASB and want to report it?  Operation Oak’s operating hours are Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10pm-4am during university term time – they can be contacted via phoning 101.

You can also log an ASB or noise complaint via Newcastle City Council via the following contact number: 0191 2787878