Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Kim McGuinness visited Whiteleas Way in South Shields on Friday, February 14 in response to concerns over a rise in crime in the area.

She was joined by South Shields MP Emma Lewell-Buck and Councillor Doreen Purvis as she spoke to Whiteleas residents.

It came after they organised a community meeting in January to discuss a number of incidents in the last few months.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuiness (L), South Shields MP Emma Lewell-Buck and Coun Doreen Purvis (R) on Whiteleas Way.

Several business owners also voiced their concerns, including Happy Kaur of the Nisa shop, who said she feared being a “burden” on the force.

“We’ve had trouble in the past with kids and teenagers throwing stuff at the shop windows,” she said.

“I don’t think there’s enough officers or community wardens around and I don’t want to be a burden - I know how tight things are anyway.”

She added: “Even the community wardens are so busy. I’ve told them on a couple of occasions but they have been busy dealing with other crimes in the area.”

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuiness ,MP(R) Emma Lewell-Buck and Coun Doreen Purvis (L) with Nisa Stores, Whiteleas Way owner Happy Kaur.

Now the PCC has assured people that the police are listening to them and will act on their concerns.

Miss McGuinness announced that she will be increasing the recruitment budget to allow for a total of 472 new officers across the force.

She commented: “I know the key to tackling anti-social behaviour here is getting more police out on our streets. Northumbria has lost 1,100 police officers as a result of Government cuts, and has been promised just 185 replacements by the latest Government. That’s not enough, so I’m increasing the recruitment budget to ensure we add new recruits and replace retiring ones, with 472 new officers in total.

“It’s what residents told me they wanted to see, and I know they will make a big difference in our neighbourhoods.”

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuiness (L) and MP Emma Lewell-Buck (R) talk with local resident Alison Kent over anti social issues around Whiteleas.

Miss McGuinness added: “This is about reassuring people that the police are listening to them and that we will get the force to act.

“It's important that we tackle the cause of it and that we stop it from happening to protect people in the area.

“The people here are not a burden. If you're in immediate danger, you phone 999 that's what it's there for.”

MP Emma Lewell-Buck commented: “A number of residents were concerned about the rise of anti social behaviour in the area, as there have been some quite serious incidents.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuiness , South Shields MP(R) Emma Lewell-Buck and Coun Doreen Purvis (L)with Nisa Stores, Whiteleas Way owner Happy Kaur.

“I was delighted to have the PCC visit Whiteleas to reassure people, particularly those who work in the shops in this area where a lot of the activity is taking place.”

A Whiteleas resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “It’s great to see the PCC taking an interest in our area, when she has the whole of Northumbria to cover. We talked about the importance of community policing, and reconnecting with the public, of which she’s in full support of and is working on strategies to improve.”

Police boss promises more than 450 new officers on visit to South Shields