Making communities safer, stronger and more resilient to crime, drugs and anti-social behaviour are among the top priorities for County Durham and Darlington’s Police and Crime Commissioner.
Joy Allen hopes Durham Constabulary can become the best force in the country at preventing crime, as she sets out her ambitions for the next four years.
The commissioner was reelected in May 2024 and has formed her latest Crime and Justice Plan after hearing from concerned residents and businesses throughout the region.
Following an extensive public consultation, anti-social behaviour nuisance remains the highest concern closely followed by serious and organised crime. Tackling community issues such as policing visibility, off-road bikes, and drugs and alcohol are also at the top of the agenda.
The plan also details extensive work being carried out to tackle knife crime, violence against women and girls, and child sex exploitation.
Commissioner Allen said: “Victims, residents and businesses have been consulted at every stage of the development of my plan and the resulting draft focuses on the issues that local people have frequently identified as increasing their fear of crime and detrimentally impacting their quality of life.
“I am determined to make a difference and invest in solutions that will have a meaningful consequence on their lives.
"Of course, this must mean holding more offenders accountable for their actions but what is clear is that enforcement by itself will not be enough.
"This is why I will prioritise getting people the help they need at the earliest opportunity so we can eradicate the motives for crime and stop victims suffering unnecessarily.
“While this plan already aligns with the expectations and needs of the public, I would welcome further comment before publication.
"As Commissioner, I am here to represent the voice of the public and fulfilling my responsibilities of listening and acting on their concerns will remain top of my agenda.”
Last week, multi-million-pound funding for neighbourhood policing in County Durham and Darlington was hailed as a “huge boost” in helping ensure police officers remain on the streets. Up to £178 million has been allocated for Durham Constabulary, a cash increase of 6.5 per cent.
Since joining the force, Chief Constable Rachel Bacon said she would place a greater emphasis on neighbourhood policing as part of a renewed focus on connecting with communities in County Durham and Darlington.
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“People need to feel safer in their own neighbourhoods and we will work tirelessly to do that,” Chief Constable Bacon told councillors on Monday.
The success of CCTV systems being used to prevent crime and identify perpetrators in Darlington was praised, and councillors hope it can be replicated in County Durham communities affected by disorder.
Councillor Lucy Hovvels, of Trimdon and Thornley ward, said: “Due to the geographical spread, a lot of our villages feel forgotten. CCTV helps the force do the job by providing the intelligence they sometimes can’t get. The CCTV system in Darlington is something that we should be shouting for here in County Durham.”
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