Here are some of the significant custodial sentences handed down to criminals in both areas in 2019, according to the force.
1. Luc Barker and Brian Goldsmith: Life sentences
The men who murdered Washington dad Gavin Moon and left his body in a flat for 24 hours were given life sentences in July. Barker, 29, and Goldsmith , 48, both denied murder, but were each found guilty by a jury following a three-week trial. A judge sentenced Goldsmith, of Wayman Street, Sunderland, to life imprisonment and ordered him to serve a minimum of 18 years behind bars, while Barker of Trafalgar Road, Washington, was told he must serve a minimum of 16 years in jail. Photo: Northumbria Police
2. Gary Peel: 22 years
A paedophile who subjected two girls to a string of sex offences was handed a 22-year custodial term in October. Gary Peel, of Alnwick Street, Sunderland, was found guilty of six counts of rape and two counts of indecent assault following a five-day trial in September. The 51-year-old, who denied the offences, subjected one of his victims to years of abuse. On another occasion, he also raped a second victim after plying her with alcohol. He was also made subject to a sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order preventing him from contacting the surviving victim. Photo: Northumbria Police
3. Darran Read: 14 years
Read, 38, met his victim in a nightclub and invited her back home in August 2018. He snapped into a violent rage and carried out the unprovoked attack. The helpless victim, who was seriously injured, feared for her life as Read continued drinking and prolonged her suffering by refusing to call 999. Read, of Roseville Street, Sunderland, was found guilty of wounding with intent to commit grievous bodily harm following a trial at Newcastle Crown Court in May. On November 11, a judge jailed him for 14 years with an extra four years on licence. Photo: Northumbria Police
4. William Orchin: 14 years
Orchin, 35, of Houghton went missing from his home address in March shortly before alleged sexual offences that he had committed came to light. Detectives managed to locate him in Scotland a week later to answer 16 charges including rape, sexual activity and sexual assault. Orchin admitted the offences and was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment after appearing at Newcastle Crown Court on June 20. Photo: Northumbria Police