Young County Durham police cadets have been praised for their 'sense of community' after helping members of the public to report anti-social behaviour.

The volunteer police cadets, aged between 11 and 17, have been assisting with the delivery of a national pilot providing 'hotspot' enforcement patrols across 34 communities.

These areas have long-standing issues with anti-social behaviour (ASB) and disorder.

Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen said: "I could not be prouder of our cadets and the huge role they are playing in reassuring our communities.

"They have demonstrated confidence and resourcefulness beyond their years and have built such a rapport with residents and businesses that people in other areas beyond the hotspots have requested further information about the work we are doing to improve the response to ASB.

"I am so grateful for the willingness of the cadets to give up their time to support the ASB project and for the fantastic job they have done to increase confidence in reporting of these issues as well as promoting and personally endorsing the sense of community that our county needs to remain resilient to crime."

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Cadets have been actively involved, delivering more than 1,000 leaflets to residents, advising them on how to report ASB and where to get support.

They have also participated in engagement events throughout the summer and provided a uniformed presence in communities at peak ASB times.

Their efforts were recognised with the Durham Difference Award for Volunteer of the Year 2024.

The cadets are currently working on a funding proposal to design and print lamppost stickers with a QR code to inform people how to report ASB.

Through their involvement in the pilot, they have developed problem-solving skills, learned how to identify and reach those affected by ASB, and honed their communication skills.

The young volunteers have inspired hundreds of young people from all backgrounds to learn more about policing since the programme launched, with many going on to become police officers, PCSOs, and Police Staff.