Crime is still a big concern
Crime is still a big issue in Sunderland ... and we’re happy to report it’s not being brushed under the carpet.
Our Big City Survey returned statistics that did not surprise us.
But is the action wanted by the public is being delivered?
After analysing the statistics, it’s clear the public want higher profile policing in the community.
Without any prompting from ourselves, that’s exactly what we’re getting in certain areas.
On the same day we publish our survey, we also report how the police have been highly visible in tackling anti-social behaviour on our streets.
We reported how teenagers were spotted throwing stones and missiles at buses in Houghton.
To combat the issue, Northumbria Police have been going into schools to speak to pupils to hopefully defuse the situation. They have also been in the town talking to residents and businesses so they can draw up plans to tackle the issue.
It’s a model of policing that has been happening in other problem areas of Sunderland.
And it’s welcomed by the public.
Our police have been stung by austerity and government cuts and are being forced to think outside the box to keep crime under control.
Collaboration is key, and only by working with the local authorities, community groups, businesses and, most importantly, the public can the big crime issues be tackled.
Your views have given the police even more food for thought.
They may not have all the answers, but as we have reported today they are speaking to the right people to find them.