Police on 'right road' over crime figures in Durham and Darlington

County Durham and Darlington's PCC Joy Allen said neighbourhood crime - robbery, burglary, theft and vehicle crime - had fallen by almost a quarter.

She presented a performance report covering April to September with comparisons to the same period pre-pandemic in 2019, at a meeting of Durham County Council's police and crime panel.

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She told councillors: "Durham Constabulary is now recognised for attaining some of the highest resolved rates in the UK for neighbourhood crime, crimes that cause considerable concern amongst local residents.

"I'm pleased to report that these offences have been reduced by 23.5% in the reporting period.

"The force has received national recognition by the way it investigates neighbourhood crime.

"We do take pride in being a nationally leading force and we will continue to identify further areas of improvement to protect people and to resolve issues that matter most to them."

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She said the force still had more than 100 fewer officers than in 2010, but there had been staff gains with an extra 60 officers hitting the streets in July.

She said a new shift pattern had been "a real gamechanger" bolstering numbers of frontline officers at times of demand, with more investment and recruitment in call handlers leading to improvements in 999 and 101 calls.

She added violence against people fell by 9% and anti-social behaviour dropped by 4%: "I am the only PCC in the country to have appointed an anti-social behaviour champion to give victims a voice and make it easier for victims to seek redress."

Ms Allen said there had been an "overhaul" of victims' services, with 90% or more of victims saying they felt safe and had improved health and lifestyles, and new services for victims of sexual violence.

She said: "Victims of crime are at the core of everything that we do and I'm determined to make it a lot easier for people to reach out and receive the help that they need at the very earliest opportunity.

"I think these results show very clearly how vital our support services have become to help the recovery journey.

"I'm delighted that more than nine in 10 of those cases that have been concluded are highly satisfied.

"This is a testament to the commitment and compassionate professionals we have working for us on the ground.

"Protecting victims is a top priority and this feedback shows that we're on the right road."

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She said His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) had praised the force, and its inspections performance was "amongst the best overall results in the country".

In road safety, another top priority for residents, there had been a 33% decrease in casualties.

Ms Allen said £1,250,000 was going into safety improvements including a "state-of-the-art" CCTV upgrade in Darlington.

"This investment over 10 years represents my determination to crack down on anti-social behaviour and crime and reduce the fear of crime," she added.

She said £1.5m was coming from the Home Office for safety improvements in Darlington East, North Road, Ferryhill, Stanley, Peterlee and Durham and Darlington centres, and grass-roots issues had been supported with grants from a £150,000 community safety fund.

Award-winning community peer mentors had 21% more referrals, and 116% more referrals from people affected by alcohol and drug misuse.

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Councillor Dan Nicholls pointed to an inspection rating of "outstanding" for strategic planning, organisation, management and value for money.

He said: "It is really stark how well Durham continues to perform.

"What I particularly would like to point out and praise, something that I've personally seen through the PCSOs, is specific things that will help people feel safer - going in, fitting their alarms, giving them the crime advice.

Cllr Dan Nicholls. Picture: Durham County Council.

"It's not just the actual crime but it's the fear of crime that affects a lot of people in our neighbourhoods.

"Seeing a reduction in neighbourhood crime by around 23% is very praiseworthy."

Cllr Anita Savory said: "It's heartening and encouraging to see that there's more support for the victims, especially women and girls.

"That is so much needed. I see victims of domestic abuse on a regular basis, and so often they retract their statements and they fail to give any evidence, therefore the perpetrator gets away with it.

"It takes an awful lot of courage for her to say 'enough's enough' so that support is essential."

The report can be viewed here.

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