Tyne & Wear: More than a third feel unsafe walking in the region at night

It comes as two thirds of women say they feel unsafe alone in the evenings - a sharp rise from a few years ago.

Transcript

00:00Feeling unsafe on the streets is a growing issue across the North East.

00:05Over a third of locals say they feel unsafe walking home alone at night, and even more

00:09worry about alleyways.

00:11Calls to charities like StrutSafe are increasing as more people seek help.

00:15Nationally, almost two thirds of women who walk alone at night now say they feel unsafe,

00:20a sharp rise from a few years ago.

00:23More people are also taking extra steps to protect themselves, from avoiding certain

00:26routes to carrying personal alarms.

00:29In places like Newcastle and Sunderland, campaigners say better lighting and stronger

00:34action against harassment are needed to make streets safer.

00:38There are particular concerns around student areas, with calls for universities to provide

00:43more support for those walking home late.

00:46Public transport has also been a focus, with demands for better security on buses and metro

00:50services at night.

00:52Newcastle City Council has pledged to invest in more street safety initiatives, but campaigners

00:57say further action is urgently needed.