Law and Crime                                                                           

The law is there to protect people and society and to prevent crime. This page provides useful information and contacts who should be able to help with any legal questions that you might have.

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At your Local Connexions Centre you can make an appointment to see a Personal Adviser who can give you advice and guidance on this subject and many more.  You can also contact us online to ask a question and receive a reply. To contact us online CLICK HERE.

Where to Get Help and More Information

Below are some contact numbers and website links to organisations that can offer support, information and advice on legal issues.

NEW: 101 is the new POLICE number for non emergency incidents.

101 is an easy to remember number to call for a variety of community safety and anti-social behaviour issues.  This frees up the police 999 service for real emergencies.  Call 101 to report threatening and abusive behaviour, vandalism and graffiti, drunken and rowdy groups, broken street lighting, drugs related anti-social behaviour, abandoned vehicles, dumping and fly tipping, noisy neighbours and loud parties and nuisance motor cycle riding.  If the operator thinks it is urgent you will be transferred to 999.

Northumbria Police Force: the fifth largest in England and Wales with more than 4,000 officers and 1,650 support staff. Visit them at www.northumbria-police-authority.org and also www.northumbria.police.uk. General Enquiries: 08456 043 043.

Illegal Motor Cycle Riding:  Know the FACTS. Riders of Mini-Motos and other off-road bikes who disrupt and damage communities could receive points on their licence (even if they haven't got one yet), face a driving ban, a fine or even have their vehicles crushed.  It is illegal to ride a mini-moto or similar off-road vehicle on pavements, in parks or on wasteland.   In response to complaints from the public, local councils in Tyne and Wear are working with the ploice to clamp down on this problem.  Call 101 to report any problem motor cycle riding in your area.

How old do you need to be to do different things like get a job, join the army, drive a moped or get your own passport?

To find the answers to this and much more CLICK HERE...

Community Legal Service Direct is a new easy to use service that helps people deal with their legal problems. It provides free information, help and advice direct to the public on a range of common issues. To use the service telephone 0845 345 4 345 or visit www.clsdirect.org.uk.

Children’s Legal Centre are an independent national charity concerned with law and policy affecting children and young people. The centre offers free and confidential legal advice and information covering all aspects of the law. Telephone them on 01206 873820 or visit their website at www.childrenslegalcentre.com.

The Citizens Advice Bureau Service offers free, confidential, impartial and independent advice with legal problems, including debt and consumer issues, benefits, housing, and more. Visit their website at www.citizensadvice.org.uk or to see a list of local Citizens Advice Bureau offices with contact numbers CLICK HERE.

Victim Support is the national charity which helps people affected by crime. They can provide free and confidential support to help you deal with your experience, even if you don't report the crime. Visit www.victimsupport.org.uk.

If you are a victim of crime, local Victim Support branches can give you and your family and friends information and support. if you are going to court. The Witness Service can help before, during and after the trial. Or you can phone the national Victim Support line on 0845 30 30 900.

Crimestoppers helps to prevent and solve crimes. The scheme allows you to give information about crimes that affect you and your local community. They won't ask for your name and no one will ever know you rang us. Your calls are not traced and you will never have to give a statement or go to court. To report a crime anonymously call Crimestoppers FREE on 0800 555 111 or visit our website at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

The Home Office is the Government department responsible for internal affairs in England and Wales.

The Home Office works to build a safe, just and tolerant society to enhance opportunities for all. They also ensure that the protection and security of the public is maintained and enhanced. Visit the official UK Home Office website at www.homeoffice.gov.uk.

The National Youth Agency aims to promote young people's personal and social development, as well as their voice, influence and place in society.

The Agency also works to improve and extend youth services and youth work; to increase youth participation in society; and to promote effective youth policy and provision. Visit their website at www.youthinformation.com.

Liberty is an independent human rights organisation. They are not overseen or regulated by a representative or umbrella body. Their website provides comprehensive information on 18 different rights and freedoms. Visit them at www.yourrights.org.uk.

The Site is an excellent website which offers a wide range of help, advice and information. TheSite.org covers issues such as Sex and Relationships, Drugs and Alcohol, Health, Home, Law and Money, Travel and Free Time, Work and Study.  Visit www.thesite.org.

Need 2 Know offers detailed balanced information for 13 to 19 year olds and the lifestyle issues they face such as Health, Money, Time Out, Travel, Relationships, Learning, Work, Law, Housing, Environment. www.need2know.co.uk.

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