EXTRA CCTV is being installed in a town centre to try and deter crime and antisocial behaviour.

The cameras are part of a £330,000 scheme aimed at making Darlington town centre safer.

Darlington Neighbourhood Inspector Dean Haythornthwaite said: “This funding will help make positive changes to make Darlington a safer place to live and improve the quality of life of those who live there.

Read more: Darlington Police sees reduction in anti-social behaviour reports

“These additional cameras will act as an extra deterrent to people thinking of getting involved in any criminal or anti-social behaviour and provide that support to anyone who may need it in times of difficulty.”

Recent figures show there were an average of more than nine reports of antisocial behaviour a day during 2021, with 3,322 reports made.

This was a 15 per cent decrease on 2020, when 3,878 reports were made.

The funding from the Government's Safer Streets fund was announced earlier this year and was granted following a bid by the office of the Durham Police and Crime Commissioner, Durham Police and Darlington Borough Council.

The cameras, which will be up and running in the next few weeks and will be monitored by Darlington Borough Council, were touted as being one of the proposals being implemented to make women feel safer in public areas following the murder of Sarah Everard.

They will be used by police and civic enforcement officers as evidence in relations to crime and antisocial behaviour, but can also be used to to help find missing people and spot vulnerable people in need of extra support.

Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen said: “These new cameras will be a welcome addition to Darlington, not only reducing the opportunity for criminals to strike but reducing the fear of crime for all people who live, work or visit the town centre.

"We have listened carefully to residents to understand where they feel most vulnerable and at risk and are investing in the resources that will make a meaningful difference to their safety and confidence.

“Simple measures such as CCTV can do a lot to prevent and deter crime. They can also increase the investigative capabilities of the police and provide crucial evidence when an offence occurs."

“I am grateful for the positive partnership with the council to ensure local people benefit from the scheme as soon as possible.”

Deputy council leader Jonathan Dulston added: “This is another great example of how we’re working with partners to ensure Darlington is a safe place in which to live, work and visit. Our CCTV network and the dedicated team that monitors them 24/7, play an important part in our efforts to ensure safer streets for all and it’s great news that we’re able to expand and improve that network of cameras.”

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You can also follow our dedicated Darlington Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054