GOVERNMENT ministers in denial over links between benefit changes and shoplifting must “wake up and smell the coffee,” according to a North-East police commissioner.

Durham police and crime commissioner Ron Hogg has raised concerns over benefit changes and sanctions leading to an increase in poverty, with people often committing offences simply to live.

Mr Hogg said the rising demand for food banks is evidence enough to show the impact austerity measures have had on those struggling to make ends meet.

Speaking during a visit to the Food Store at King’s Church, in Whessoe Road, Darlington, he said: “If they have been sanctioned for 13 weeks, how are they supposed to feed themselves? What greater evidence do they need?

“The fact that we need food banks is disgraceful, but what they are doing here is fantastic.

“It cannot be right that so many families in a town like Darlington are relying on this just to feed their family.”

The food bank launched two years ago and hands out around 100 bags of food every week, which contain a week’s worth of supplies.

In August 562 bags were handed out, but that figure is expected to rise during the winter months.

Deputy manager of the food bank Caroline Todd explained many adults are often going without food to heat their houses, pay bills, or feed their children.

“Everybody has got a different story. Some have lost their jobs, others have lost family members or cannot work due to illness, or have had their benefits cut,” she said.

“Benefits appeals can take a long time to go through, leaving people with no income.”

As well as giving out food parcels, the food bank also offers financial advice, as many users have fallen victims of loan sharks and pay day lenders, which are also partly to blame for an increase in food theft.

As a result, Mr Hogg is exploring ways of engaging with first-time offenders who are stealing to feed their families.

“Austerity cuts have been hitting families hard and people resort to all sorts of means to make ends meet. But we have to look at the bigger picture,” he said.

“We will look at what their personal circumstances are, so that the right level of support can be offered to prevent reoffending and seek to put them on the right path.”

Any donations of food and clothes – in particular men’s clothes – can be dropped off at the centre.

For more information call 01325-469884.