Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen has launched an ambitious effort to prevent and tackle crime in communities hardest hit by problems as part of a new winter crackdown.
The County Durham and Darlington PCC is supporting the Government’s Winter of Action initiative and will be unleashing -with partners - a host of new safety measures including extra foot patrols to step up enforcement and deter criminality in town centres across the force area.
The initiative follows the success of the Safer Streets Summer campaign – a 12-week scheme which saw the PCC working collaboratively with partners to intensify action against retail crime, anti-social behaviour (ASB), violence and other problems.
The PCC said plans were already at an advanced stage to bolster safety and help people feel safer over the winter but admitted the campaign would once again necessitate the use of existing funding and resources – with no extra cash provided for the scheme by the government.
“Despite operating within the confines of a stretched policing budget, we will be doing everything possible to maximise the impact of this initiative and to make a difference to our communities by providing the strong, visible and effective presence we know local people value so highly,” she said.
“This campaign is about adopting a united front and leveraging community spirit and our diverse expertise to drive out behaviour that exploits, harms and triggers fear.
“Whilst I wish we had been allocated extra funding to deliver these high-profile activities – something I have already raised with the Home Office – we have nevertheless worked hard to coordinate a packed programme of enforcement that will undoubtedly see more perpetrators held to account for their actions.
“We will be focusing our attention on areas with high footfall with persistent problems and anti-social behaviour to build confidence and trust and give people the reassurance and protection they deserve.”
Superintendent Dean Haythornthwaite, Head of Neighbourhood Policing at Durham Constabulary, said: “Everyone has a right to feel safe in their neighbourhood.
“We are committed to preventing crime, protecting the public, and focusing our resources where they are most needed. Extra patrols will provide a highly visible and reassuring presence, allowing officers to respond swiftly and effectively to any emerging issues.
“We are already seeing the benefits of this focused approach, and our officers are making a real difference in supporting safer, stronger communities. We will continue to use every power available to reduce crime and tackle persistent offenders.
“You will see more officers on the streets this winter, working hard to protect your town and ensure that residents, businesses, and visitors feel safe and supported where you live.”
The initiative forms part of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee – the government’s flagship programme aimed at revitalising neighbourhood policing and ensuring named contactable officers for every neighbourhood across the area can be accessed easily through police.uk.
Ends
Editor Notes:
A wide range of tactics will be employed to step up safety. These include:
Enforcement
Targeted ASB Activity
VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls)
Nighttime Economy
Retail Crime
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