Residents subscribe to ‘e-policing’ in Sunderland

Residents in parts of Sunderland received their first electronic newsletter last month in a pilot scheme from Northumbria Police.

The News From Your Neighbourhood letter was emailed to more than 70 people in the Houghton sector of Sunderland Area Command. It’s an additional way the neighbourhood policing team will communicate with local residents, updating them about ongoing work, successful operations and crime prevention advice.

The pilot newsletter included an introduction and contact details for the neighbourhood policing teams in Hetton and Houghton, details about work carried out to combat graffiti and motorbike disorder and Christmas crime prevention advice.

The next edition of the newsletter is due to be emailed to residents in March. If it proves successful, it could be rolled out in other sectors in Sunderland.

Hetton neighbourhood sergeant, Lisa Theaker, said: “The Hetton and Houghton neighbourhood policing teams already have an excellent relationship with householders and communicate with them in a number of ways.

“However, the newsletter is an additional way to speak directly with residents and let them know that we are acting on concerns they bring to our attention and details the work ongoing to make their community a safer place for everyone.

“Another positive is that it helps us get all kinds of crime prevention advice direct to individual residents, which can be tailored for the time of year. We are hoping that it is successful and are encouraging residents to sign up.”