Crime in annfield plain, county durham

Officers and PCSOs have been proactively patrolling hot spot areas to prevent anti-social behaviour whilst robustly dealing with those who use vehicles to cause ASB. We have seized a number of off-road bikes and given anti-social vehicle notices out. We have also actively engaged in pursuits with those who choose to not stop and where possible, those offenders will be prosecuted. We encourage the reporting of off-road bikes to build intel of peak times and hotspot areas with a view of deploying the drone to assist in locating suspects and gathering evidence.

We have been relentlessly targeting those who we suspect are dealing drugs within our community and utilising police powers available to us where there are grounds to do so. These include: stop search powers and road traffic act powers in order to stop vehicles. By targeting these suspects, not only are we are able to prosecute / deal with drug offences when committed but also disrupt their activities before drugs are collected / dealt.

We have also located a number of cannabis grows, disrupting organised criminal groups from exploiting people and gaining large sums of money. These investigations are ongoing and plants disposed of.

We will continue our work to tackle drug dealers / drug issues within the area and appreciate any information from the public in order to assist us. If people have concerns, I would strongly recommend getting in touch to make us aware and we will listen.

We have been conducting regular patrols, monthly pop-up PACTs in ASDA and visits to local shops and businesses to prevent theft offences and anti-social behaviour. During Safer Business Action week, Officers and PCSOs have been engaging with retail staff to increase confidence in reporting crimes and assaults against staff. We will not tolerate violence and abuse against retail staff. Where offences are reported, these are dealt with efficiently and effectively to prevent reoccurring issues. Repeat offenders are dealt with robustly.
Officers and PCSOs have assisted with multiple crime enquiries including house to house, CCTV for offences such as shoplifting and assaults. This is to support Neighbourhood officers and to secure chargers for crimes and tackle prolific offenders.