Northumbria and Newcastle universities say they have received “a number of complaints” from local residents regarding noise and antisocial behaviour in the community and have warned students not to let behaviour get out of control on Halloween. 

Newcastle University Student Services sent an email this week to students living in Jesmond, Sandyford and Heaton which warned that anti-social behaviour will be investigated in accordance with the Student Disciplinary Procedures and Antisocial Behaviour and Noise Nuisance Protocol. The email encouraged students to remain respectful and considerate during Halloween celebrations.

Operation Oak will be active in Jesmond between 30 October and 2 November from 10pm to 4pm to handle complaints and disruption in the area. A spokesperson for the Jesmond Residents Association said: “For anyone unfamiliar, Operation Oak is a police initiative funded by the universities to tackle student anti-social behaviour, particularly noise.” The patrols be contacted by calling 101 and asking for “Operation Oak”.

Jesmond resident Eva Oldland said: “It’s bad enough on a normal weekday, so who knows what it will be like on Halloween. I’m prepared to call the police if I need to or else I’ll be awake all night.”

Newcastle University’s Antisocial Behaviour and Noise Nuisance Protocol states that students can expect formal warnings from Newcastle City Council and the university, likely accompanied by an individual disciplinary fine, especially if the event is witnessed by the police. If offences are repeated, students will be required to attend a meeting with the university, where “final warnings and large disciplinary fines” can be given. 

In a separate letter sent to local councillors ahead of Halloween, the two universities said that while they understand most students are respectful to neighbours and “bring real benefits” to the community, “we do not tolerate students engaging in any sort of anti-social behaviour. Both universities investigate all complaints received, and where appropriate, liaise with Northumbria Police and the City Council to visit students and remind them of their responsibilities.”