THE PCC’S SAFER STREETS SURVEY OF PEOPLE IN THE NORTHUMBRIA POLICE FORCE AREA FOUND:

  • 42% FEEL UNSAFE OR VERY UNSAFE AT NIGHT (COMPARED TO 11% DURING THE DAY)
  • 62% FEEL UNSAFE OR VERY UNSAFE AT PARKS AT NIGHT
  • 41% FEEL UNSAFE OR VERY UNSAFE ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT AT NIGHT
  • ACROSS ALL ENVIRONMENTS 61% SAID THEY FELT SAFE OR VERY SAFE DURING THE DAY

TOO uncomfortable to catch the bus home but too worried to take the walk through the park – that’s the dilemma faced by some people in our region according to a recent Safer Streets survey led by Kim McGuinness.

The survey, asked people of the North East, particularly women, to share their experiences and views about what makes them feel uncomfortable or even frightened when they are out and about, day or night.

The figures and experiences shared are being used by the Commissioner to support an application for Home Office funding, specifically aimed at tackling violence against women and girls, in the wake of the shocking death of Sarah Everard in London.

Findings of the survey show that across the region, in all environments, people feel much less safe when it gets dark. At night time, 42 per cent of those who responded said they felt ‘unsafe or very unsafe’, compared, reassuringly, to just 11 per cent during the day.

People also said they felt most safe in their neighbourhood during the day, and least safe in their nearest park, which was the same at night.

Overall responses for Northumbria revealed that during the day time, 47 per cent felt ‘safe or very safe’ on public transport, compared to only 14 per cent at night.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “The horrific experience of Sarah Everard has to be a moment for change and to make change happen we need to listen.

“Safety isn’t just about police – now is an opportunity to rethink public safety whether it’s practical solutions light CCTV and improved lighting or greater education around respect for women and behaviours that are just unacceptable.

“I’ll be sending these findings to Government with a very clear message that ministers must back these concerns with funds that allow us to do something about it. The findings aren’t all bad and yes, on the whole, we are still one of the safest regions, thankfully, but we’re clearly not safe enough.

“It’s the simple things in life”, she continued. “There are people who have got in touch saying they feel too uncomfortable to catch the bus home at night but are too worried to take the walk home through the park – that’s a dilemma faced by some people in our region and it shouldn’t be. We need real solutions to make our region safer for everyone.”

The survey was launched to coincide with an invite to Police and Crime Commissioners to apply for cash from the Home Office’s £25m Safer Streets 3 programme aimed at improving safety in public spaces.

Kim McGuinness went on to explain: “Now we have the survey responses, which we are very thankful for, we’re in the process of getting lots of heads together, to draw up plans as to how we could fix the problems people are telling me about.

“I’m confident we have a very strong case as to why our region is crying out for this funding and I’ll keep people updated on our proposals in the coming weeks. With the right funding in place I know we could make some big changes that would benefit everyone. We could really improve lives and prevent crime here in the North East.”

ENDS