FOUR arrests have been made during a crackdown on anti-social behaviour in Peterlee and the surrounding areas.

Durham Constabulary teamed up with partner agencies including Durham County Council and County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service to address concerns raised by members of the public, tackle crime and provide reassurance to residents.

Two men were arrested in connection with an arson in Wingate, while another was arrested for possession of cannabis.

A 17-year-old man was also arrested and charged with robbery following an incident in March during which four people forced entry to a home in Blackhall.

The Northern Echo:

Operation Stapleton also saw the partners, which included local housing associations Believe Housing, Bernicia and Home Group, carry out walkabouts, pictured above, in Shotton Colliery Wingate and Wheatley Hill to identify issues, speak to residents and hand out leaflet with information about how to report anti-social behaviour.

Other key activity throughout the week has included:

* Increased police and neighbourhood warden patrols in Shotton Colliery, Wingate, Trimdon and Wheatley Hill;

* Over 25 vehicles stopped and checked for legality 3 vehicles and 4 caravans searched, and drugs seized 85 vehicles captured by the camera enforcement van, predominantly in Shotton Colliery;

* Three vehicles carrying waste were stopped to check the correct licences were in place Joint visits by police officers and Durham County Council neighbourhood wardens to serve community protection warnings on people involved in antisocial behaviour;

* Environmental audits and Safe and Wellbeing visits by County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service On and off licence visits carried out at 18 premises, with all licensing conditions being met;

* One fixed penalty notice to be issued for the sale of alcohol to an underage person.

Inspector Emma Kay, of Peterlee Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Operation Stapleton has been a prime opportunity to act on the information we’ve received from members of the community, and to take firm action against anti-social behaviour.

“As well as making arrests, we have carried out proactive stops of vehicles suspected of being involved in crime, or of committing traffic offences such as driving without insurance, which is often linked in turn to ASB.

“Thanks to those people who have voiced their concerns, and to cooperation with our partner agencies, we’ve been able to achieve really positive results that I hope can provide some reassurance to residents.”

Joanne Waller, head of community protection at Durham County Council, said: “We know the impact anti-social behaviour has on communities and we want to reassure residents that we are fully committed to working with our partners to tackle the issue.

“This week was an opportunity for us to come together, identify and respond to issues and provide reassurance to residents.

"The safety and quality of life of our communities is our priority and I would encourage people to report their concerns about anti-social behaviour so we can work together to resolve the issue.”

Chris Williams, East Divisional Manager, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We are committed to delivering a range of initiatives to keep our communities safe. Working closely with the local authority, police, and a range of other partners is core to delivering this aim.

“Our environmental audits and Safe and Wellbeing visits, along with regular school visits, play a significant part in our day-to-day role. I would urge anyone who would like advice about how to keep their household safe from fire to book a free Safe and Wellbeing visit.

“I would also encourage people to report deliberate fires anonymously via Firestoppers.”

To book a Safe and Wellbeing visit contact County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Community Risk Team on 0191-916-0214 or 0191-916-0217 or visit www.ddfire.gov.uk/

To report deliberate fire setting anonymously, call Firestoppers on 0800-169-5558 or visit www.firestoppersreport.co.uk.

For more information about anti-social behaviour and how to report it, visit www.durham.gov.uk/asb