A CRIME chief has vowed to investigate why police are to take no further action after a car smashed into a stationary van, damaging a pensioner’s house.

Ron Hogg said he was "bemused" by the decision not to prosecute and pledged to ensure a "full and proper response" to the matter after retired ambulance driver John Booth asked for his help.

The Northern Echo: DISGUSTED: John Booth is disgusted that the people who crashed into his car and home will not be prosecuted.

DISGUSTED: John Booth is disgusted that the people who crashed into his car and home will not be prosecuted

Mr Booth called on the County Durham and Darlington’s Police Crime and Victims Commissioner to step in after police told him that nobody would be held to account for an accident outside his home.

Speaking to The Northern Echo, Mr Booth said he was astounded that the people involved will not have to answer for their actions because there was not enough evidence.

The 65-year-old told how the car had smashed into the back of his parked van before ploughing through his garden wall and damaging his front door in Neasham Road, Darlington.

A male and two females then fled the scene.

He said: “My vehicle was taxed tested, insured and registered to me. I claimed for the damage through my insurance company but because I did it is recorded as a 'my fault claim' and so my premiums will go up as a result.”

Mr Booth said that he was relying on the case going to court so that he could recoup his losses.

The Northern Echo: BEMUSED: Mr Hogg said he is bemused that the culprits have not been charged

BEMUSED: Mr Hogg said he is bemused that the culprits have not been charged

He said: “The police told me they knew who it was and that they had been able to trace them.

“Now they tell me that it won’t be going to court because there is not enough evidence to gain a conviction.

“I am told that I can take civil action. This will be of great cost to me. Surely if I had a good case for civil action then the police should have what they need for a criminal conviction?”

The accident happened in January this year and has taken six months to investigate, according to Mr Booth.

He received a letter just over a week ago informing him that he case was closed and there would be no prosecution.

The letter said: "After careful consideration of the information provided, I have to inform you that no further action is to be taken in this instance.

"Unfortunately, the evidence currently available is not sufficient to provide any realistic prospect of conviction in this case."

Mr Booth said: “This means a law abiding pensioner can sit peacefully in his own home minding his own business and any Tom, Dick or Harry can destroy his property. The pensioner is to blame whilst the perpetrator gets away with it.’’

In an email Mr Hogg said: “I find the decision not to prosecute, just as bemusing as you do. I shall look into this matter and ensure that you receive a full and proper response.”