Shoplifters have contributed to a 20 per cent rise in reported crimes across Darlington in the past year. 

New figures show crime increased in the year to July 2023 compared to the previous year, with 4,395 total reported crimes across the borough. Incidents in the town centre are up 11 per cent to 541 in the same time period. 

The rise in retail crime is in line with a national trend, Durham Constabulary says. Officers have worked in partnership with retailers across Darlington to develop a new “Shopwatch” scheme, which will be relaunched this autumn.

Inspector Matt Plumb, from Darlington Neighbourhood Police Team, said: “Here in Darlington, reported crime has also risen in line with other areas of County Durham. 

"However, it is important to note that Darlington has one of the highest resolved rates in the country, proving that when a crime does happen, we are identifying suspects quickly and tackling those who are committing crime in our area.”

Meanwhile, reported anti-social behaviour incidents significantly reduced in the year to July. A 33 per cent decrease across the borough means just 845 incidents were recorded compared to 1,265 the previous year. Durham Constabulary says the changes can be attributed to more Public Order or Harassment incidents reported as crime. 

The Northern Echo: Darlington Borough Council said it is working with partners to ensure the appropriate interventions are taken to outline the dangers of their actions. Darlington Borough Council said it is working with partners to ensure the appropriate interventions are taken to outline the dangers of their actions. (Image: The Northern Echo)

The force says its partnership work with local authorities has contributed to the anti-social behaviour crackdown. 

Insp. Plumb added: “We have worked extremely hard to tackle hotspot areas, such as Nightingale Avenue shops and Asda, on Whinbush Way, which has involved identifying key offenders, sharing that information with partner agencies, and taking the appropriate action against them.

 “Protecting the most vulnerable people remains a force priority and we will continue to do everything we can to provide the best possible service to our residents.”

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Elsewhere, there have been several incidents involving up to 23 young people entering derelict properties and accessing roofs. 

Darlington Borough Council said it is working with partners to ensure the appropriate interventions are taken to outline the dangers of their actions.