Police operation in Consett, Stanley and Chester-le-Street

Week three of Operation Trident in Consett, Stanley and Chester-le-Street saw officers continue their proactive work to tackle crime in those neighbourhoods.

Over the weekend officers seized several vehicles, including a quad bike from South Stanley which was being ridden on a road with no insurance and no licence, a van from Stanley which had been driven on the road using false plates and a car from South Moor which had no insurance.

Officers stopped another car, after it was witnessed being driven erratically around Edmondsley, and the driver was found to have no licence or insurance.

The drivers have all been reported to court for a range of motoring offences.

On Thursday, PCSOs spotted a car suspected of being involved in the supply of drugs in Stanley.

Officers subsequently stopped the vehicle in Sacriston, searched the four occupants and drugs were found. All four men were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply and the car was seized. They were also reported for breaching Covid-19 regulations.

Four people were arrested during an operation in Chester-le-Street on Friday a spokesperson for Durham police said one was subsequently dealt with in custody for production of a controlled substance and another for possession of a bladed article.

On Saturday officers stopped a car, suspected of being involved in drugs supply, in Stanley. The driver failed a roadside drugs test and was arrested for offences including drug driving, money laundering and being concerned in the supply of drugs.

An investigation is ongoing following a house search in Burnopfield, during which drugs and cash were seized. 

Durham police said anyone with concerns about crime in their community can contact the force on 101 or through live chat on its website.

Or people can report crime and suspicious activity anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.