Blackhall

Off-road bikes used illegally often cause noise nuisance, danger to pedestrians and damage to local green spaces. Taking these vehicles off the road helps prevent accidents and restores peace in our neighbourhoods. This remains as one of the priorities.

This is an ongoing problem and has been reoccurring due to the vast open spaces we have in Blackhall mainly in the dene and the beach. We remain tackling this issue with :

-High visibility patrols and working with partner agencies.
-Op Endurance involved positive action against offenders.
-Use of our section 59 powers (signs up in the areas most affected) and also our ASB powers along with Durham County Council ASB Team.

Rural Crime:

This will be a reoccurring issue as it is a long standing problem for the rural community we will seek to tackle. The poaching in our rural areas in and around Blackhall has a large impact on our farmers and people living in these areas. Poachers damage fences, land and wildlife in the local area.

High visibility patrolling of the rural areas and communication with our farm watch colleagues. Use of our poaching and stop search powers. Working alongside partner agencies such as Durham County Council and also NFU.

Update: Officers are actively adjusting shifts to support and reassure those who live, work and own land in rural areas. These measures are being taken to provide reassurance, increase visibility, and help prevent crime.

Shoplifting:

Shoplifting isn’t a victimless crime – it impacts local businesses, raises prices for honest customers and can contribute to wider issues of antisocial behaviour. Being visible helps us deter crime and support shop owners directly.

The team take positive actions with all suspects identified and look to identify suspects at an early stage in order to prevent them reoffending. We also seek charges on the suspects in order for them to be charged with the offence and hopefully face prison terms. Furthermore we look to gain this evidence to apply for orders such as criminal behavior orders which prevents them from entering certain premises and also areas amongst other conditions.

The team also engage in an active shop watch scheme where information and advice is shared between all attendees.

Youth Nuisance / Anti social behaviour

To tackle this we have been:
- Carrying out high visibility patrols along with colleagues from Durham County Council Neighbourhood Wardens Team and ASB Team
- We have ASB meetings to discuss ASB suspects with our Durham County Council colleagues and housing provider teams.
- Use of Anti-Social Behaviour Contracts (ABCs), Community Protection Warnings (CPWs) and Community Protection Notices on offenders of ASB
- Intelligence gathering
- Working with and supporting victims of ASB