A COUNTY DURHAM mother has spoken of her horror at being the target of persistent anti-social behaviour that saw her three-year-old son become a victim of youths throwing items in the street.
Rachel Caulkin only moved to Newton Aycliffe in September 2021, but in that time, has already faced a torrent of noise, abuse and threats from a ‘gang’ of youths that has made her life hell for the five months she’s lived there.
Since the start of the year, the mother of one has documented the constant blight of anti-social behaviour on her street in Newton Aycliffe, which has included neighbouring properties having their windows smashed and cars damaged, and one shocking incident that saw 20 teenagers fighting; some armed with crowbars and other weapons.
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In one particularly traumatic experience, Miss Caulkin remembers that the youths, who were aged between 12 and 15, targeted her three-year-old son by aiming items at him.
Speaking to The Northern Echo, the Aycliffe resident now regrets moving to the town; saying that the mental and emotional toll of the anti-social behaviour sometimes gets too much.
She has reported individual incidents to the police but has been told that the local neighbourhood team are “investigating” and “looking into the matter”.
However, Miss Caulkin is growing increasingly frustrated at the lack of action by the police unit, and fears that some of her neighbours may turn to a ‘take matters into their own hands’ approach.
She said: “I live in an area of Newton Aycliffe that I think has the highest level of anti-social behaviour – it always seems like something is happening and usually for the worst.
“I wish that me and my family hadn’t moved here – it is a little much at times. It’s constant, and it’s had a huge impact on me, my partner, and my son.
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“I can’t believe that anyone would target a three-year-old, but that’s the reality of these people, they don’t care.
“The police have always said report things, but every time you do, you get the same response of ‘we’ll investigate it – it’s not good enough.
“I’m extremely nervous that this behaviour could lead to a death on the streets of Newton Aycliffe – either from it getting out of hand or someone taking the matter into their own hands.”
In response to the anti-social behaviour, the mother became so upset by the “targeted attacks” that she set up a petition at the end of last year that sought to make a difference.
After just 12 hours of putting it up, it reached the required signatures to be heard on a regional level, but it was eventually taken down by the police, due to them having ongoing investigations against several problemed individuals.
She calls this fact “disheartening” but wants to continue documenting her story; looking for change in Newton Aycliffe and trying to make a positive impact in her neighbourhood.
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Miss Caulkin added: “I think a lot of people are worried about their property and things that they’ve worked hard to afford. It seems like in a matter of minutes, it can be all taken away.
“My son gets woken up every ten minutes in an evening because of either sirens or shouting, it’s disgusting.
“The petition could have made such a difference, but it was shut down as fast as it began – it’s a real shame because people responded well to it and got involved.
“Since the police started handing out Anti-social Behaviour Orders, it’s got a little better, but individuals who have them aren’t meant to enter certain parts of Aycliffe, and I’ve seen them walking down the street – it doesn’t work.”
Since sharing Miss Caulkin’s concerns to Durham Police, neighbourhood inspector for Newton Aycliffe, Sarah Honeyman, has confirmed that the local unit has secured several high-profile Criminal Behaviour Orders since the start of 2022 and moved ahead with a “robust” CCTV plan in partnership with local agencies.
She said: “We continue to work with our partners to implement measures including the addition of CCTV which has already proved effective.
Read more: Aycliffe youngsters apologise for nuisance behaviour
“We have recently acquired Criminal Behaviour Orders through the court for the main ASB causers and will continue to deal robustly with those whose actions adversely affect the quality of life of our residents."
Over the coming days, The Northern Echo will be continuing the special report into the anti-social behaviour issues in Newton Aycliffe, speaking to police officers, district councillors and the police and crime commissioner for Durham, Joy Allen, to gain more of an insight on whether this can be controlled or whether it’s a spiralling issue that’s too much for even the police.
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