AS a freelance journalist based in the region, I have spent years campaigning for Northumbria Police to be more open with the media – and thus the public.

Working on newspapers for 23 years, I have noticed a disturbing rise in the number of serious crimes held back by the force.

Incredibly, in the last two years, the force has increased its spending on its PR department from £640,000 to £1million a year.

Historically, the purpose of police press officers has been to pass on details of crimes to the media, who can then warn the public and appeal for witnesses.

However, despite the increase in spending, the force is as secretive as ever.

After one weekend in May, when the force did not release any crimes at all, I made an application under the Freedom of Information Act.

As a result, the force admitted they had 4,801 incidents between Friday evening and Monday morning, including 161 serious crimes.

My contacts tell me the reason crimes are hidden from the public is because police are under Government orders to reduce "the fear of crime". In other words, they are censoring the news for political reasons.
Nigel Green,
Journalist, Whitley Bay

Chief Constable Mike Craik replies: There is no truth whatsoever in this repeated claim from one individual that Northumbria Police is trying to hide the true picture of crime. Our figures speak for themselves – we have an unrivalled record of crime reduction.
Northumbria Police is open with the media, and therefore the public.
However, there has to be a policing purpose for releasing information to
the media – the prevention or detection of crime, usually by way of witness appeals or appeals for information. It is a matter for the police officer investigating the crime to decide if a public appeal is needed, while also acknowledging the wishes of the victim.
As Mr Green has shown, simply seeking recourse to the Freedom of Information Act will enable anyone to access anything but the most sensitive information.
The budget figure quoted is not for the "Press Office". It is the budget for the entire Corporate Communications Unit, which includes media, marketing, website and photographic services. It has increased mainly because there was a substantial increase in staff numbers in direct response to demands from the media for longer opening hours and weekend working.

If you knew Susie
I KNOW it's unusual but I cannot let the passing of our beloved pet Susie go without mention.

She was so well-loved and will be greatly missed by all her friends in Fulwell and Roker. May she rest in peace, free from pain.
Brenda and Allan,
Fulwell,
Sunderland

Stop dozy parkers
THE members of the Ashmore Residents' Association would like to wish the campaign "to put the brakes on dozy parkers" every success.

We have a major problem with inconsiderate parking in our area, preventing access to emergency vehicles and making deliveries exceptionally difficult.

Cars have also blocked pavements and access to garages. Even entry to and exit from the back lanes has been blocked by thoughtless drivers.

We agree with all the points made in your article and are encouraging all our local residents to send photographs. We certainly can supply you with many local examples of inconsiderate parking.

Good luck with the campaign.
EA Griffiths,
Carlyon Street,
Stockton Road,
Sunderland

Lads buried in sand
I HAVE written a book, Suez: The Hidden Truths, which details those turbulent years of the Suez Campaign of the early 1950s when thousands of troops, many on National Service, were sent to defend the canal zone, often facing appalling conditions.

Even though many of the men who died were only in their teens, we were inexplicably denied a medal, unlike soldiers serving in other campaigns or actions. Now, after a long campaign, this injustice has been righted.

Many Suez veterans, now in their seventies, are delighted with the award of this belated medal, but it is a travesty that it was not issued at the time. Indeed, it might have been of some comfort to the next of kin of the lads who lost their lives and are buried in the sand at British Military cemeteries in Egypt, and other veterans who have since died.

My book cost £6 including p&p from Nostalgia Abounds (Revised edition) at the address below.
John Hunt,
14 Carrfield,
Bamber Bridge,
Preston,
Lancs,
PR5 8BS