This information can be made available in a range of languages and alternative formats such as electronic copies (for example e-mail), or in large print, Braille or audiotape. Please contact the Communications Team on
(0191) 4268370.
More on language and translation
Our Language Statement
Your safety
In this section:
Neighbourhood nuisance and anti-social behaviour
Everybody has the right to live in an enjoyable environment. Everyone likes to feel comfortable in their home and not feel threatened by neighbours. It is usually the case that most neighbours get along fine, but there are occasions when neighbour disputes do occur and these can be upsetting.
> More on neighbourhood nuisance and anti-social behaviour
> South Tyneside Council Anti-Social Behaviour Team
Domestic violence
Everyone has the right to live without fear, in a home that is free from violence or the threat of violence. You have this right regardless of what anyone may have told you or made you feel.
We will help you if you have experienced domestic violence, or if staying in your home is likely to lead to threats of violence against you or someone who lives with you.
We can also put you in contact with other people or agencies that will support you.
> More about domestic violence
Racist incidents
What is a racist incident? “Any incident, which is perceived to be racist by the victim or any other person” (as defined in the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry report, 1999).
How can I report a racist incident?
If you are attacked or witness a racist attack please contact Northumbria Police immediately.
If you are a victim of racist abuse but don’t want to report it to the Police you can report it to the Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Team on 0845 605 2222. This is a 24 hour hotline number. Alternatively, you might prefer to e-mail on racistincidents@southtyneside.gov.uk.
> More about racist incidents
Crime
South Tyneside Victim Support
If you have been a victim of crime, you can get help from South Tyneside Victim Support. You can contact them on 0191 454 6198.
They offer a free and confidential support and listening service. They can:
- Visit you at home
- Give you advice on personal safety and security, and
- Help you fill in personal injury forms.
They may also be able to help you with extra security to your home.
The trained volunteers deal with all types of crime from burglary to serious sexual assaults and domestic violence.
Community wardens
What are community wardens?
Many of our estates benefit from the services of community wardens.
The Community Warden Service tackles a variety of issues and concerns,generally making tenants and residents feel safer in and around their homes. The service runs between the hours of 12pm midday and 10.30pm in the evening seven days a week.
The wardens carry out regular patrols on all estates, reporting incidences of graffiti, abandoned vehicles, fly tipping, and general nuisance, but there is also a way for residents to access this service directly by calling the Community Warden Service hotline number. For example if you wish to report an incident of anti-social behaviour, problems with noise nuisance or a group of youths loitering in a communal area you simply need to call the hotline number on 0191 420 3713.
Door entry and CCTV systems
We will often fit door entry or closed circuit television (CCTV) to shared entrances to blocks. These will increase the security of your home when they are properly used. To protect the security of you and your neighbours, you should only allow people in through the door entry system who live with you or are visiting you. Don’t let anyone in who you don’t know.
Health & Safety
If there is a fire, it is vital that everyone is able to leave the building as quickly as possible if necessary. This will be made more difficult if fire exits and shared walkways are blocked. Please don’t leave belongings in shared areas or fire exits, or in any areas which may cause a health and safety danger. You should make sure that all the fire doors are working properly. We check fire doors as part of our estate inspections. If they are not, you should report them as a repair. You should make sure you, your family and visitors know where the fire exits are in case there is an emergency.
