A HIGHER priority is to be given to the needs of crime victims and witnesses under a "new deal" police pledge for the new year.

Durham's Deputy Chief Constable, Jon Stoddart, said the force was committed to targeting low-level, anti-social crime and disorder, which blights the quality of life for many people across the force area.

But he said the harmful effects of crime on witnesses and victims would also be addressed as an operational priority for the year.

Mr Stoddart told a police and public liaison forum on Thursday that the aim was to ensure that those suffering the effects of crime did not become repeat victims.

Mr Stoddart told the meeting, at County Hall, in Durham: "The entire force is now committed to a long-running initiative that will specifically target the low-level crime, anti-social behaviour and disorder that can so easily destroy the quality of life of law-abiding members of communities.

"There is now a record number of front-line police officers patrolling our streets, and County Durham is one of the safest places to live in the country.

"Our aim is to reduce fear of crime through a 'can do' culture that takes problems seriously and tackles those whose activities blight people's lives and undermine public confidence.

He said: "A key part of our strategy is to minimise the harmful effects of crime on victims and witnesses, to keep them better informed about the way investigations are progressing.

"We will also be working to ensure they do not become repeat victims."

He said anti-social behaviour such as graffiti, vandalism, under-age drinking, late night noise, criminal damage, off-road biking and misuse of fireworks would all be targeted by the force's officers.

The initiative is being led by 13 recently appointed community inspectors, each of whom will be responsible for tackling "quality-of-life" issues in a part of the force area.

Mr Stoddart said that wherever problems were identified, these officers would do all in their power to find solutions.