A SCHEME to help the fight against crime in rural north-west Durham was launched yesterday.

Police who cover the beat of Delves Lane, Crookhall and the east of Consett have launched the Crimepost project.

Three metal post boxes have been installed at accessible points, where residents can leave complaints about non-emergency issues, such as anti-social behaviour.

PC Jonathan Hamill said: "The boxes are about making us more accessible to residents and reassuring them we are keen to tackle local problems."

Officers hope they will encourage residents to give them more information, especially those who could be reluctant to talk directly to the police.

"We look forward to receiving any information, especially about crime or anti-social behaviour," said PC Hamill.

The boxes bear the logo of Durham Constabulary's StreetSafe campaign and the slogan "Crimepost - the post that delivers".

The first was installed in the village store in Delves Lane yesterday. Others will be put in the Tesco store, in Delves Lane, and Consett Civic Centre.

Funding for the project came from the Delves Lane, Crookhall and Consett East Partnership, backed by Derwentside Community Project Development Fund.

Barry Hill, who runs the village store with wife and postmistress Elaine, said: "We were happy to have one of the boxes if it helps the community. A lot of people use our facility and it means they can contact the police from familiar surroundings."