This is how much reported crime has fallen across South Tyneside since the coronavirus lockdown

Official figures reveal for the first time how much reported crime has dropped across South Tyneside since the start of the coronavirus lockdown.
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They indicate that the number of offences reported to Northumbria Police throughout the borough during March 2020 was more than 200 less than 12 months previously.

The near-13% reduction is in line with the 12.96% fall across the entire force area compared to March 2019.

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Northumbria Police say ongoing analysis during the pandemic, which triggered the nationwide lockdown on March 23, has allowed officers “to be in the best position to seek to prevent crime” by “targeting the right areas at the right times”.

A deserted Market Square, in the centre of South Shields, on a weekday at the start of the lockdown.A deserted Market Square, in the centre of South Shields, on a weekday at the start of the lockdown.
A deserted Market Square, in the centre of South Shields, on a weekday at the start of the lockdown.

Assistant Chief Constable Scott Hall, of Northumbria Police, said: “The restrictions have obviously had a significant impact on the lives of residents and businesses across our region.

“Nowhere has this been more obvious than in our town and city centres, which have been the quietest they have been in years, and that has of course led to reductions in crime.

“Through ongoing analysis, we have sought to anticipate and respond to the changes in crime and offending as a consequence of the restrictions.

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“This has allowed us to be in the best position to seek to prevent crime, targeting the right areas at the right times.

“For example, we have patrols looking to deter opportunistic thieves from targeting businesses that are now closed due to the restrictions.

“We are also working hard to reach victims of domestic abuse, who now more than ever may find themselves trapped at home with an abuser, so they can access vital support services.

“We will continue to look to provide the very best policing service that our communities expect and deserve during these unprecedented times.”

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This was a reduction of 225 complaints – 12.91 per cent – compared to the March 2019 total of 1,742.

The number of forcewide reports, which include ongoing and discontinued investigations, fell by nearly 2,300 from 17,720 in March 2019 to 15,422.