PEOPLE have been given an opportunity to have a say about rural crime in the 2018 National Rural Crime Survey.

The survey is now available at www.nationalruralcrimenetwork.net and is open until Sunday, June 10.

In response to community concerns and the recommendations made by the previous National Rural Crime Network following the 2015 survey, Ron Hogg Durham Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner worked with Durham Chief Constable Mike Barton to produce and implement the Rural Policing Statement.

Improvements include the introduction of the Rural Specials Unit, Community Safety Responders, cross-border working, Community SpeedWatch initiatives, an additional police vehicle, additional staff training, use of mobile tablet technology and greater partnership working.

Mr Hogg said: “I encourage anyone living or working in a rural community to take a few minutes to complete our survey. By using your voice, you can give us a true picture of crime and anti-social behaviour in our rural communities across County Durham and Darlington. It is important for us to see what has changed since the 2015 survey. It will help to provide a clear picture of what has improved, what challenges remain and what more we can do.”

Get involved at www.nationalruralcrimenetwork.net