Police report – January 2012
Crime figures drop
Crime in Northumberland down 8.8% (724 fewer crimes)
Violent crime down 20.2% (361 fewer crimes)
Criminal Damage down 23% (456 fewer crimes)
Burglary up 0.3% (3 more crimes)
Vehicle crime down 1.1% (8 fewer crimes)
Suspect arrested
A 22 year old local male has been arrested and charged in relation to damage to and theft from motor vehicles in the area of Middleton Street, Wellwood Street, Aidan Road, Edwin Street and off Percy Drive, during the festive period.
Call 101
This is the new non-emergency number. The number is being re-introduced as part of the government’s work to improve access to the police, ease pressure on 999 and help to efficiently and effectively tackle crime and disorder. Calls to 101 (from both landlines and mobile networks) cost 15 pence per call, no matter what time of day it is, or how long the call lasts and they will continue to be answered by contact handlers in Northumbria’s Communications Department.
The following are examples of situations when people should call 101 (and not 999): their car has been stolen, their property has been damaged, they suspect drug use or dealing in their neighbourhood, to report a minor traffic collision, to give us information about crime in their area, or to speak to us about a general enquiry.
People should continue to call 999 in an emergency – when a crime is in progress, there is danger to life or violence is being used or threatened.
For people who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired, there is a textphone available on 18001 101.
For reporting general nuisance or environmental issues, people should continue to call Public Protection at Community and Environmental Health Team (Rural) at Northumberland County Council for things like graffiti, dog fouling, abandoned vehicles, dumping and fly tipping, or vandalism.
Online Forum
Northumbria Police (Alnwick and Coquetdale area) and NCC Community Safety will be holding a joint online forum on Wednesday 22nd February between 12 and 2pm.
The forum is an opportunity for members of the public (or employees) to put questions to police officers and council community safety officers or to raise issues in relation to their local area. This can range from crime and anti social behaviour to speeding and crime prevention advice.
The forum can be accessed by logging onto the Northumbria Police website:(www.northumbria.police.uk/your_neighbourhood/Northumberland) going to the Alnwick area page and accessing the online meetings section. Questions can be asked in confidence if you prefer and you can also join in and take part only as an observer.
Andy Welsh, PC 758, Amble Neighbourhood Beat Manager
