A police and crime commissioner (PCC) has welcomed new support for victims in efforts to crack down on anti-social behaviour.
Joy Allen, PCC for County Durham and Darlington, said: "Victims of crime should remain at the heart of everything we do.
"I've made it clear that protecting victims of anti-social behaviour in County Durham and Darlington is a key priority and together with the force and our partners we will utilising these measures to maximum effectiveness in our communities."
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She welcomed new Home Office guidance which supports new powers to tackle anti-social behaviour and get tough on local problems.
The guidance gives frontline professionals support to increase care provided to victims.
It also calls on the police and its partners to consider the impact of persistent and repeated anti-social behaviour on victims.
New powers include public space protection orders - one of which has been renewed for three years in Darlington town centre - as well as civil injunctions, criminal behaviour orders, dispersal powers and community protection notices.
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Introduced through the updated Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, the powers are meant to strengthen the protection of victims and communities and provide fast and effective responses.
The guidance also refers to "community trigger" scheme.
This gives victims and communities the right to request a review of their case in certain circumstances, and brings organisations together to find a "joined-up" solution to a problem.
The community trigger measure can be activated by a local councillor, MP, carer, professional, family member or individual.
PCCs are involved in the process including case reviews, promoting awareness and attending meetings.
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Ms Allen said: "I welcome the arrival of this new guidance which gives police and partners extra clarity and support on the use of effective powers to tackle anti-social behaviour.
"I am particularly pleased with the emphasis placed on victims and the statutory duty for agencies to consider the psychological and physical impact of these incidents on individuals and their communities."
Anti-social behaviour champion Andrea Patterson said: "The new guidance supports the robust approach already taken by the force and its partners to reassure and protect all victims of anti-social behaviour.
"Over the coming weeks, we will be working closely with the force and partner agencies to agree and implement these important changes to ensure victims reap the benefits of these new powers without delay."
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