Neighbourhood Policing Team
I am the Neighbourhood Inspector for the Bishop Auckland area which ranges from Binchester and Middlestone to the east, across Bishop Auckland Town, Coundon and Dene Valley, through West Auckland and Tindale, and out towards our rural villages such as Hamsterley, Evenwood, and Ramshaw.
With over 28 years service I have worked right across the County Durham and Darlington area and – whilst having operated as a Response Inspector in all four localities, I have spent many years within the arena of neighbourhood policing, having worked as a Sergeant at Newton Aycliffe and as Inspector at Durham City.
Arriving in post towards the end of 2023 after having performed the role of Force Incident Manager and Tactical Firearms Commander within the Force’s Control Room, I lead a team of like-minded individuals, passionate about making a difference within the communities we serve, and forging strong links with partners, residents, and other stakeholders. Our drive is the relentless pursuit of those who blight our neighbourhoods through ASB and crime.
My ethos is simple – ‘know your issues and have a plan’.
Fun facts? In my spare time I like to write and keep the cinemas in business!
Dean has been a police officer with Durham Constabulary for almost 24 years. He has worked predominately in the North of the county, in different roles including proactive CID, neighbourhoods and response.
Dean has been a Sergeant over six years and joined the neighbourhood team last February.
Dean is committed to Bishop Auckland, and supports his team to do the best they can for the community, keeping people safe and actively pursuing the people who commit ASB and crime.
Everyone meet PC 2938 Gav Laycock.
Gav is the PC for Dene Valley.
Gav joined Durham Constabulary in 2010 as a PCSO before joining as a PC in 2018 and moving into Neighbourhood policing in 2020.
Fun Fact - Gav is a supporter of Manchester United Football Club, and enjoys listening to music and cooking in his spare time.
Everyone meet PC 2856 George Burton.
George is the PC for Coundon, Leeholme, Binchester, Newfield, Middlestone and Westerton.
George has worked for Durham Constabulary since 2014, firstly as a PCSO in Weardale and Teesdale before joining as a PC in 2016. George spent over 7 years as part of Response Policing before moving to his current role. George is as a Football Officer which involves policing football throughout the UK.
Fun fact? George supports Manchester United and likes to go to Old Trafford as much as possible to support The Reds Devils!
Everyone meet PC 9059 James Sewell.
James has worked for Durham Constabulary since 2016 and joined Bishop Auckland NPT in 2022. James is the PC for Cockton Hill, South Church, Henknowle, Bishop Auckland Town centre and Toronto.
James skillset ranges from taser officer to being the resident method of entry officer on the team!
Fun fact: James likes spending time with his family and following his beloved Middlesbrough Football Club around the UK.
Hi all, meet Daniel - our latest PCSO to join the team.
Dan will be the PCSO having responsibility for Coundon, Leeholme, Middlestone, Westerton, Newfield, and Binchester.
Everyone meet PCSO 8975 Steph Stoddart.
Steph worked as an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor for 8 years before joining Durham Police as a PCSO 3 years ago. Steph is the PCSO for Dene Valley and has just come back to work following maternity leave.
Fun fact: Steph enjoys spending time with her family including 2 spaniels and is a keen singer. Steph enjoys going to open mic nights when she can!
Steph is looking forward to being back out on foot in the local area, please come and say hello when you see her.
Crimes and priorities
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Priority:
Action taken:
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Priority:
Middlestone and Westerton PACT Priorities:
Speeding along B6287 Low road through Middlestone - vehicles driving too fast along the lane, vehicles have not been slowing down for horses.
Off-road bikes riding through the village towards CoundonAction taken:
Discussed carrying out a Speedwatch as Speed is still an issue. (NEXT PACT MARCH 2026).
Targeted patrols have been conducted around the areaMiddlestone and Westerton PACT Priorities:
Local PCSO 30381 has been tasked to arrange a speed watch in the Middlestone area - re Speeding along B6287 Low road through Middlestone
Visible presence / patrols through the area, to deter speeders and off-road bike activity.
Local PC has drone capabilities residents have been asked ring 101 to log off-road bike incidents so that PCSO's can attend and the drone can be utilized -
Priority:
Coundon and Leeholme PACT Meeting Priority:
Speeding and Off-road bikesAction taken:
Speed watch is to be organized by local officers.
Update 15th May - Speedwatch sessions conducted on Church Street - 50 cars passed, 1 observed over the speed limit.
Tees Walk - 67 cars passed, 2 observed over the speed limit.In regard to off-road bike use: officers have drone capabilities to build intelligence around off-road bike and Quad sightings. The NPT now have 2 trained operators and are due to receive Drones in the very near future, attended schools in local area displaying drone capabilities to local pupils and answering questions.
Officers have recently seized 2 Quad bikes around the Leasingthorne area. Both individuals were issued with CPW's -
Priority:
Dene Valley PACT Priorities - youth nuisance, off-road bikes.
Action taken:
Following the last meeting, there has been a decrease in calls of anti-social behavior from 24 calls between April-May to 5 reports in the last month.
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Priority:
Coundon & Leehome PACT Priority - anti-social use of off-road vehicles
Action taken:
From the last meeting, a number of Speedwatch sessions have taken place with positive results.
From 15th May - 2 areas covered with a total of 117 vehicles passing, 3 observed over the speed limit.
From 20th June - 88 vehicles passed, 0 observed over the speed limit. -
Priority:
Dene Valley PACT Priorities - to remain as youth and vehicle nuisance.
Action taken:
Since the last meeting there have been increased incidents in the area and in calls regarding anti-social behaviour. Officers have also attended a meeting with Durham County Council to discuss vacant/open to access properties for which a number are due to be secured.