More than 40% of people responding to a council survey think their neighbourhoods have gone downhill, shock authority figures have revealed.
A report compiled by Gateshead council's Community Safety Board said that 41% of respondents to an online questionnaire run by the council felt their neighbourhoods have become worse over the last 12 months.
The online survey, which was posted on the "viewpoint" section of Gateshead Council's website, ran for for six weeks and got over 900 responses.
The document admits that crime has risen over the last three years with hundreds of extra offences reported last year.
"We know crime has increased steadily over the last three-years - with levels rising by a further 4% (+863 additional crimes) on last year, " it said.
Despite this, respondents still said they feel safe, with 76% saying they feel "very or fairly safe" in their neighbourhood.
Meanwhile 60% of respondents stated they do not feel anti-social behaviour or crime are specific problems, "which may suggest national headlines impacting," the document said.
The report said: "Over a third of respondents believe partner agencies (including Gateshead Council and Northumbria Police) work well together to tackle the issues that matter to them."
The report said the council will be focussing on tackling five areas, these are:
Anti-Social Behaviour and Environmental Crime
It said anti-social behaviour and environmental crime continues to be one of the biggest areas of concern identified by the borough's residents.
Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse is increasing every year with a "profound" effect on individuals, their families, their children and wider society.
Substance Misuse
The report says drug abuse causes significant problems for communities - and admits that more needs to be done to clamp down on dealing.
Hate Crime, Tension Monitoring and Community Cohesion
The council will continue to "raise awareness of hate crime" and give support and guidance to victims as well as "monitoring local tensions to ensure strong, cohesive and integrated communities".
Preventing Violent Extremism (Terrorism)
The report warns the "threat of terrorism continues to be ever-present". To tackle it, it will "raise awareness of, and safeguard, vulnerable persons who have the potential to be drawn into this area".
The report will be considered by the Communities and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Monday.
