Crime in Chester-le-Street North, County Durham

As part of the neighbourhood policing guarantee we have raised the amount of foot patrol hours in the front street area. As part of the foot patrol officers have been encouraged to engage with local businesses to give advice regarding security and point of sale items. Officers presence has also proved as a deterrent to thieves which has been evident in the reduction of reported thefts. By officer engagement and shop watch it has led to increased offender identification which has led to an increased detection rate for shoplifting in this area.

Chester le Street Front Street is a hotspot for youth ASB, and we saw a spike there in Autumn. The NPT carried out extra high visibility patrols including a dedicated week of action. Many youths were removed and taken home to their parents, ASB forms submitted to DCC and a group were referred to a diversionary programme called Future Pathways. There was also some criminality, with arrests made and referral to YOT.
This saw a reduction in the ASB and the core group was diverted. However, this year we have seen an increase with another, younger group of youths. Actions taken thus far:
•The Front Street and surrounding areas were designated a Hotspot and have benefitted from Government funding for additional high visibility foot patrols.
•Increased ASB forms submitted to DCC who are taking ASB action against those involved, including ABCs and warning letters.
•Partnership approach with Durham Constabulary, Durham County Council (Safer Places Team, Neighbourhood Wardens), Karbon Homes with regular meetings. Area was designated a TLP which focused resources including CCTV.

•Robust approach with numerous arrests and use of bail conditions. We are currently collating numerous offences into one individual with the aim of applying for an order to help control behaviour. There have been numerous TAF meetings around this individual with partners including social workers to address offending. This work is ongoing.

•We have used social media to encourage parents to know where their children are and what they are getting up to.

•Engagement with Councillors whose ward includes Front Street. We are also looking into the possibility of securing a youth shelter to encourage young people away from the area of the Front Street.

•Problem solving a target hardening approach eg. Recommendation to DCC (via Cllr Husband) for the removal of the steps at the bottom of Tuart St, where youths were congregating a causing ASB, and the application of anti climb paint at the rear of Coral’s to prevent youths gaining access to the roof.

•Use of drone (secured from funding by PCC Joy Allen) along with 2 recently trained pilots on the team. Success early on eg. Youths on the roof of the old Cooperative building – identified thanks to drone and the photograph of them on the roof publicised via social media to highlight new capability. We no longer experience issues with youths on the roofs of the Front Street.

Working with Durham Constabulary bike section and the DCC street wardens with extra patrols and dedicated operations (Operation DRIVE). Plus use of new drone we have been able to deter users of off road bikes and ebikes and scooters. We have designed an OP DRIVE / OP Endurance flyer to circulate informing residents of our actions in these areas. We have also designed a leaflet around the use of electric scooters and the requirement for relevant licenses, insurance and safety equipment if ridden on the road. The aim is to educate parents around the use of these vehicles.

Deployment of community speed watch on road network from Pelaw Bank to Pelton Lane with updates posted on social media. High visibility patrols in South Pelaw area to deter motorists.