RECORDED incidences of anti-social behaviour have fallen by 16 per cent across County Durham and Darlington over the past year according to a new report.

Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner Ron Hogg’s latest public performance report revealed the largest drop was in Crook, where it is down by 28.7 per cent.

Newton Aycliffe, meanwhile, saw a fall of 25.3 per cent, and in Stanley there was a drop of 23.5 per cent. The lowest decrease was in Spennymoor, where it was down by four per cent.

The report also showed a 27.8 per cent increase in victim-based crime. Mr Hogg attributed this to an amendment to national crime recording guidelines, which has led to more cases of harassment being recorded as crimes. His full report is available online at durham.police.uk