REPORTED crimes in County Durham and Darlington rose over the past year, according to figures released by Durham's Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner Ron Hogg.

The latest performance report shows 32 per cent more victim-based crimes were reported whilst anti-social behaviour levels fell by 11 per cent over the 12 months to March 2018.

Residents showed greater confidence in the police than most of the country with 84 per cent agreeing that ‘taking everything into account I have confidence in the police’ and Durham Constabulary rated highest for ‘community understanding’.

Mr Hogg said: “There have been real increases in crimes such as theft, robbery and arson, but the increase is also due to changes to the national requirements for crime recording– more incidents such as harassment are now recorded as crimes, for example.

“The Sunday Times reported last weekend that Durham has the highest ‘solved rate’ for crimes of any force in England and Wales, mainly because of the Constabulary’s on-going commitment to neighbourhood policing. Victims of crime can be confident to come forward and report their experiences, knowing that the force will take them seriously."