THREE north Durham residents and a community group are celebrating after proving crime sometimes can pay.

Earlier this year, Derwentside Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership called on residents for their views on crime activity in the district. Everyone who took part was entered in a prize draw.

Blackfyne Community Centre, Consett, was chosen from the business survey, and won a £100 restaurant voucher.

First prize in the residents' survey went to Gillian Flint, of Stanley, who received a portable TV. The second prize of a personal CD player went to Yvonne Craig, of Consett, and third prize of CD/DVD vouchers worth £25 went to Stephen Webb, of Lanchester.

The results of the survey are being analysed and will be published later this year.

It was commissioned after it emerged that although, statistically, Derwentside is one of the most crime-free places in England, fear of crime is still disproportionately high.