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