An operation designed to crackdown on anti-social vehicles goes from strength to strength

Operation Organdie is a multi-agency approach which aims to tackle drivers who use vehicles to cause damage to fields and gates in rural communities.

 

The operation which involves our neighbouring police forces, dog section, neighbourhood teams and Durham Roads and Armed policing unit has recently resulted in a man being charged with two counts of criminal damage.

 

The suspect was a constant nuisance rider and was spotted by an off-duty officer riding anti-socially around farmland. He was identified through drone footage and brought into custody for questioning.

 

He denied the offences however was subsequently charged.

 

In addition to the operation, officers have upped patrols in key locations and are carrying out targeted nights of action where partners come together to stop known vehicles and gather information.

 

The neighbourhood team are also keen to provide aftercare to victims by ensuring they have the right home security in place. They understand that this is just as important to victims as catching the criminals.

 

Over in Willington, officers are carrying out foot and mobile patrols in hotspot locations where high volumes of anti-social behaviour reports have been received. These areas include Commercial Street, Cambridge Avenue and Hall Lane Estate.

 

On one of their recent patrols along the High street, the team spotted a man suspected to be riding a stolen motorbike. They quickly caught up with him, seized the bike and arrested the man for the offence.

 

And during bonfire week, officers arrested three teenagers for anti-social use of fireworks in Willington and Sunnybrow.

 

Inspector Michael Sammut, from Crook neighbourhood team said: “We’re doing all we can and putting resources in place to eradicate anti-social behaviour across our rural towns.

 

“We know each of our areas have unique issues to them and we’re working with residents, business owners and our partners to identify them and put plans in place.

 

“Work also remains ongoing with our problem-solving team to apply for funding for trail cameras, boundary sensors and other crime prevention equipment which will be beneficial for our communities.

 

“We’re not there yet but we’re on our way.”