Officers are patrolling the busy areas in the town, including South Parade, where revellers gather to queue for taxis after a night out.

Whitley Bay Neighbourhood Inspector Adrian Tallantyre said: "Our officers are providing a highly visible policing presence at taxi queues, as well as at Metro stations.

"We've already had a lot of comments from the public who welcome our approach.

"People tell us they like to see officers on foot patrol late at night when people are around because it makes them feel safer.

"Our officers are on hand to prevent trouble happening and can intervene if high spirits are likely to spill over into disorder.

"Their presence has had a noticeable effect, revellers are generally well behaved."

Police have also been working with members of the Pubwatch scheme.

Again carrying out extra patrols, walking through pubs to show a police presence and make sure that people are behaving appropriately.

Insp Tallantyre added: "These visits have been well received by bar staff and customers who tell us they feel reassured by the officers presence.

"We regularly meet with Pubwatch members and have a good working relationship with them."

The crime reduction initiative called 'Not In My Neighbourhood' is financially supported by the North Tyneside Crime & Disorder Reduction and Misuse of Drugs Partnership, working together with police and Nexus to reduce crime.