Jesmond’s student population has spoken about its worries following a doubling in burglaries in just two months.

According to Northumbria Police, 31 burglaries were recorded in July 2025 alone – almost double the 16 reported in May. The sharp rise has left many students uneasy, with some now reluctant to walk home alone at night. 

One student, Mimi, 21, who asked not to share her surname, told JesmondLocal about her frightening encounter after discovering an intruder in her home in September. 

“I came home to find a man wearing a balaclava climbing through an open window,” she said. “Luckily, my boyfriend was there, so we managed to lock him in a room and call the police – but he escaped through another window before they arrived.” 

The incident has shaken the local student community, serving as a stark reminder of how quickly a sense of safety can vanish. 

Mimi is now urging others, particularly those new to the area, to take extra precautions. “Please make sure all windows and doors are locked, even during the day,” she said. “It’s better to be safe than sorry.” 

JesmondLocal also interviewed Mimi’s boyfriend, Archie, 23 who said “I just keep going over what happened thinking what I could have done differently I also think to myself what would have happened if I wasn’t there and the girls were on their own it could have been so much worse.”  

When JesmondLocal asked if the incident has made him think differently about safety, he said “I’ve become more cautious. I lock my bedroom door now as well as the front door, just to be extra careful. I’d tell other students to do the same – it’s a small thing, but it gives you a bit more peace of mind.” 

Another student, Fleur, 21, who lives nearby, said the incident has made many rethink their security. “Everyone’s triple-checking whether everything is locked now,” she said. “It’s unsettling – being at university should be a time to enjoy and feel safe, but I just don’t feel safe anymore.” 

Earlier this year, students in the area received chain-mail messages (see image, right) warning them to stay vigilant following similar reports back in February. 

A Northumbria Police spokesperson told JesmondLocal its officers “urge all students to visit the crime prevention advice page,” which includes guidance on burglary prevention. However, the spokesperson declined to comment further beyond directing students to its website. 

As the new academic year begins, Jesmond’s student community is seeking greater security and reassurance amid growing fears that the cost of living crisis may be fuelling the rise in crime.