Jesmond residents have spoken about their experiences with break-ins after Northumbria police began an investigation into an attempted burglary on Jesmond Dene Road in September.

In August 2024, Jesmond and Heaton experienced a total of 27 thefts and burglaries. Because it is known as a student-dense area with a vibrant nightlife, Jesmond is seen as an easy target for burglary and theft. 

After hearing about the ongoing police investigation, Newcastle University student Willa McMullen spoke about the time she experienced a break-in on Queens Road, East Jesmond, in early October. She told JesmondLocal: “My friends thought I was going mad when my handbag, which had my speaker, iPad and diary in it, went missing. We then realised that two other laptops in the house had disappeared too.”

The incident left a lasting impact on McMullen and her housemates. She said: “It was terrifying that someone had gone into my home and taken all my personal items…imagining someone in the house when we were asleep was very scary”. 

The break-in prompted McMullen and her housemates to reassess their security measures and encourage their peers to increase their awareness too. They now make sure they lock all their doors and windows before leaving the house, and understand the importance of not leaving important items in plain sight.

Another student, who asked to stay anonymous, came face-to-face with a burglar who broke into his house in a similar area in early September. He told JesmondLocal that the event left him feeling “extremely on edge and unsafe in [his] own home”. He still suffers from the trauma of the event. 

Although Jesmond is a heavily student populated area, it is also home to a large population of permanent residents. They too feel vulnerable after recent attempted burglaries. Relaying her experience with a burglary, resident Natalia Korzikaite, a member of staff at The Collingwood Arms said, “they just took out the window and climbed right in. Jesmond is a wealthy area. They know what they are doing. No one is safe”. 

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “We know the financial and emotional impact from burglary is very significant for victims. A burglary can happen at any time, and we would urge people not to be complacent and take simple steps to help protect property from potential thieves. Keep your doors and windows locked, keep valuables out of sight and ensure keys are not left on display”. 

To report suspicious activity in your area, send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media, use the live chat function on their website or use the ‘Report a crime’ page on the Northumbria Police website.