RESIDENTS in Crook have expressed their anger at the town consistently becoming the victim of anti-social behaviour attacks - after two serious criminal damage incidents were reported within hours of each other last night (March 5). 

The first incident saw the driver window of an Arriva bus get smashed as it was driving through the market town - with the item used to cause damage narrowly missing the driver.

This was followed by extensive damage to the public toilets late last night, which saw parts of the door, wall and inside the public toilet damaged. 

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While the incidents are under investigation from Durham Constabulary and Durham County Council's enforcement team, it is believed to have been caused by young people from the town. 

In the meantime, while investigations continue, Durham County Council's neighbourhood wardens are looking to get contractors to fix the public toilet and the area has been cordoned off "as a matter of urgency". 

A spokesperson for Durham County Council said: "Neighbourhood Wardens have been conducting patrols in Crook this week to deter anti social behaviour and believe this damage to have been caused by young people from the town.

The Northern Echo: Left: The extensive damage of the public toilet. Right: The hole in the Arriva bus window. Pictures: PUBLIC.Left: The extensive damage of the public toilet. Right: The hole in the Arriva bus window. Pictures: PUBLIC.

"Contact was made with a structural engineer in the late evening on Saturday 5th March and the area was cordoned off as a matter urgency.

"We are working with Durham County Council Anti Social Behaviour Team and Durham Police after receiving information about a young person who may have been involved in the incident."

Despite actively investigating the incidents, some residents in Crook believe the 'lenient' punishments for those responsible doesn't deter them from causing criminal damage. 

Taking to social media, on user wrote: "Forget Antisocial behaviour. Start prosecuting them. These kids are at the age of criminal responsibility and can be put in a secure unit. Slaps on the wrist don't work. ASBOs don't work. Start taking a hard stance on it."

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