AS thousands of students arrive in Newcastle, Northumbria Police is ramping up patrols to help keep party-goers safe as they enjoy the city’s popular night life.
Along with partners, officers are reassuring the student community, they are on hand to help them enjoy their freshers’ nights out in safety.
High visibility patrols are in place over the next couple of weeks with additional deployments and council activity funded through the Office of Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth.
Dedicated policing operation, Operation Salus, is also underway to protect those out on the town though a range of prevention measures including CCTV surveillance and Automatic Number Plate Recognition. Background work like this helps address issues before they escalate, leaving people free to enjoy their evenings in safety.
Newcastle City Council, as the licensing authority, has also hosted joint engagement meetings with police, Newcastle and Northumbria Universities, licensees, promoters, and partner agencies to share information and guidance, and direct resources.
And the council has been working with venues to help keep their customers safe as they head out on bar crawls and socials, with community safety officers patrolling the city centre and other student areas to offer help and support to those who need it.
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner also supports those who work in bars, clubs, restaurants, transport, to offer vulnerability training through its Violence Reduction Unit. Training sessions build skills and confidence and help highlight the duties involved to safeguard someone at risk of crime or victimisation whilst they’re on a night out.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said: “Freshers’ week is a highlight for so many coming to study in Newcastle and the safety of students and the wellbeing of the wider local community is a priority for us.
“I’ve been out speaking to young people and they’re telling me they’re noticing the policing presence and feel safe because of it. I want people to know there is a lot more activity going on behind the scenes too, training, CCTV surveillance, plain-clothed officers, number plate monitoring – it all plays a part in looking after people on their night out.
Susan added: “As Police and Crime Commissioner I get to know about all this work and as a Mum who has seen children off to university myself, I am impressed by the amount of work that goes into preparing for the arrival of students and ongoing efforts to help ensure they can enjoy our City safely.”
Chief Inspector David Wheeler, of Northumbria Police, said: “Newcastle renowned as a vibrant, welcoming and safe place for students to live and enjoy a fun night out and we are determined to keep it that way.
“We work with a range of partners, including the Police and Crime Commissioner, local authorities, businesses, licensees, door supervisors, hotel staff, street pastors and taxi drivers, so we can all come together to help keep people safe.
“We proactively police the region’s night-time economy and have both uniformed and plain-clothed officers on patrol in order to protect those who may be vulnerable and target anyone looking to commit offences.
“Anyone who has concerns while on a night out should speak to an officer on duty or contact us as soon as possible.
“In an emergency, or if a crime is taking place, always call 999.”
Cllr Irim Ali, Newcastle City Council’s Cabinet member for a Resilient City, said: “Newcastle is renowned for its hospitality industry and of course students of our two great universities make a massive contribution to the vibrancy of the city.
“As the licensing authority the council brings together police, universities, licensees and partners, sharing advice and information, and co-ordinating events.
“During this busy time of year we also have night marshals from our community safety team out patrolling the city centre, and other student areas, to offer help and support to those who need it.
“By working together we can make sure that everyone – including Freshers – can enjoy a safe night out.”
Vashti Hutton, Director of Student Life and Wellbeing at Northumbria University and speaking on behalf of both Universities said:
“The health and safety of our community is our number one priority, and we work actively with several partners across the city to help make this possible at this exciting time for our new students.
“We encourage all students to familiarise themselves with up-to-date guidance about keeping safe in the city, attend campus and accommodation inductions, as well as look for support from the emergency services should they need it when they exploring their new home.”
“In addition, we continue to work with Northumbria Police as part of our ‘Operation Oak’ partnership, which provides extra police officers to work in Jesmond, Heaton and Ouseburn, providing reassurance to all residents.
“This police-led initiative funded by the universities works to encourage good community relations and minimise disruption to the daily lives of all residents because of anti-social behaviour.”
