Darlington police's newest detective chief inspector has called on people to help to fight crime.

Andy Reddick, 44, has been promoted back to the Darlington station after spending two years at Durham Constabulary headquarters.

He has worked for the Durham force for 12 years and has spent time in Easington and Chester-le-Street.

In his new role as DCI for Darlington his aims are to cut violent crime and burglary and crackdown on drug dealers.

He said: "Violent crime is something people are concerned about and we want to reassure the public by increasing our detection rates for these crimes."

The DCI will work with pubs and clubs to ensure excessive drinking does not lead to violence.

He also wants to work with Darlington Borough Council to stamp out drug dealing.

He said: "I want to make Darlington a no-go area for drug dealers so there is no profit in it, especially for those dealing class A drugs."

As well as tackling the dealers, DCI Reddick is hoping to catch offenders who commit burglaries and car crime to feed their drug addiction.

He said: "We want to catch the criminals but then make sure they are getting the support they need to deal with their addiction."

A revamped Neighbourhood Watch scheme will be one of DCI Reddick's main weapons.

He said: "There are hundreds of eyes and ears out there that could be helping to cut crime.

"The underlying theme is that we can not do this on our own. We need the support of other agencies and the public.

"If people want their streets to be safe and pleasant to live in they have to take some responsibility and help us."

Police are also calling on drivers to look after their property after a rise in thefts from cars.

Operation Hawkeye has been launched and officers who notice a driver has left property in the car will write to the owner suggesting more caution is taken.

DCI Reddick said: "We are doing what we can, but we want the public to take some responsibility for their belongings and keep them out of sight."