POLICE in an area that has seen the biggest fall in crime in the county have vowed to target the one growing problem on their patch.

Crime figures for the past 12 months across County Durham show the biggest improvement on the previous year was in the Spennymoor policing area.

Overall crime in the district, which covers Spennymoor, Ferryhill, Chilton, West Cornforth and nearby villages, is down 20.9 percent.

The only type of crime that has increased is domestic violence so police say they will work with domestic violence support agencies to turn it around.

Inspector Bill Bentham said that although the rise could be down to more people reporting a previously undetected crime he was determined to tackle the issue.

Incidents of anti social behaviour are down by 18.5 percent and Inspector Bentham believes that is down to targeting problem areas and persistent offenders- with the number of anti social behaviour orders secured against persistent trouble makers up threefold.

Insp Bentham said: "I've said many times this is a good, safe place to live and work but there are a small number of people causing the majority of problems.

"In addition to our everyday work we are targeting that minority and working very well with partner organisations to co-ordinate efforts so they are as effective as possible."