Crime drop praised in Darlington
New schemes aimed at cutting crime across Darlington have been praised for reducing the number of reported incidents.
New schemes aimed at cutting crime across Darlington have been praised for reducing the number of reported incidents.
Overall crime fell by 6.6 per cent between October and December last year, according to new figures.
Violent crime decreased by 10.8 per cent during the same time period, while possession of weapons offences plummeted 58.3 per cent during the quarter.
Meanwhile, the number of reported sexual offences fell by 14.3 per cent, with fly-tipping also reducing by 37.6 per cent and street begging fell by 67.2 per cent.
It means that more than six in ten people (66%) feel very safe or safe in their communities in Darlington, according to a progress report provided by Durham Constabulary on behalf of Darlington Community Safety Partnership.
Extra hotspot policing patrols have been expanded throughout the town after a £1 million investment from the government, to tackle long-standing issues of anti-social behaviour in Darlington communities.
Joy Allen, Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Community safety is a shared responsibility, and these impressive results demonstrate the value in working together as a united team to make our communities the safe, strong and resilient places we all want them to be.”
The Labour police chief said working collaboratively with local authorities, including the council, can “prevent the revolving door of crime”.
She added: “This is happening every day in Darlington; on our streets, in our schools, and in our health, justice and youth settings, and the efforts of officers, volunteers and safety partners must be applauded.
“As pleasing as this recent progress is, we can and will do more. We will continue to listen to residents who know their neighbourhoods best and will proactively target the issues that are preventing their communities and those who live in them from truly thriving.”
Anti-crime pods, aimed at tackling retail crime, anti-social behaviour and violence against shopworkers, have also been deployed throughout the town centre.
Ch Supt Stephen Long, chair of the Darlington Community Safety Partnership, added: “The continued reduction in crime and anti-social behaviour across Darlington is a clear testament to the strength of our partnership approach.
“By working closely with statutory agencies, the voluntary sector and residents, we have been able to take proactive, targeted action that delivers real results.
“This success reflects a long-standing and shared commitment to making Darlington a safer place for everyone, and we will continue building on this momentum together.”
Councillor Jim Garner, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for stronger communities, said: “We know that we can’t achieve this on our own and the progress made has come from working closely with our partners and the wider community – residents, organisations and businesses.”