Anti-social behaviour, nuisance and organised crime, violence against women and girls, road policing and policing visibility are among the public’s priorities for the Durham force.

Off-road biking and issues with drugs and alcohol are other issues highlighted in a survey of the people of County Durham and Darlington.

More than 1,400 residents responded to a force-wide consultation to help County Durham and Darlington Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Joy Allen determine the direction of policing and crime prevention over the next four years. 

The PCC launched an online survey to steer the development of her Police and Crime Plan for the years 2025 to 2029.

(Image: Office of Durham PCC) It was supported by a programme of face-to-face meetings made up of 30 events.

These saw Ms Allen and members of her team meeting residents, farmers and business owners to gauge their views on policing and crime.

In promising to champion the ‘voice of the people', the PCC said she was determined to base her improvement plans on issues that matter to the public and will help them feel safer.

Analysing both the online survey findings and face-to-face engagement, the PCC said four issues had emerged as clear public priorities for funding.

These were anti-social behaviour (ASB) nuisance, serious and organised crime, violence against women and girls (VAWG), road policing and policing visibility. 

Other priorities pinpointed included off-road bikes and drugs and alcohol issues.

Commenting on the results, the commissioner said: "Anti-social behaviour has a devastating impact on our communities, and it is no surprise to me that local people have once again raised it as the top issue for policing.

"I am proud of the work that we have already undertaken to increase support for victims of ASB and to respond to these issues in the robust and urgent way the public expect.

“I want to do more, and I will.

“This survey has reinforced my view that further investment is necessary to provide our communities with the support and response to ASB they deserve to feel safe in their homes and public spaces.

"Residents have also made clear their expectations for strong and visible policing and their desire for more funding to be channelled into tackling serious and organised crime, violence against women and girls and drug and alcohol-fuelled offending.

“Data shows that alcohol and drugs are repeatedly a factor in so many reports of crime, anti-social behaviour, and serious violence including violence against women and girls.

(Image: The Northern Echo) “Clearly, we must continue to give alcohol and drug misuse the attention they deserve and take action to reduce the risks in childhood, adolescence and adulthood.

Thanking all those who responded to the online survey and shared their views at the PCC events, Ms Allen said: “As the public's representative in policing, it's important the decisions I make in how our force area is policed reflect the needs of the public and strengthen our community in a way that will help local people feel confident and safe."

The consultation also gathered feedback on people's experiences of crime, with 28-per cent of respondents saying they had previously been a victim of crime.

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Of these, 80pc said they had reported the incident to the police.

Those who said they had not reported the crime to police cited reasons such as lack of trust, shortage of policing resources, absence of evidence and not wanting to consume police time influencing their decision.

The PCC has pledged to build trust and confidence in local policing services and she said she will continue to consult and engage with residents and businesses throughout her term in office to deliver action on the issues that matter most to the public.