POLICE who pledged to crack down on crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour are calling on the public to help them in their fight.

Five months after the launch of the StreetSafe initiative, Durham Constabulary have told of the successes already enjoyed.

But Chief Inspector Graham Hall said the force needed to add one vital ingredient - the confidence of the public to speak out.

The StreetSafe initiative aims to tackle crime across Darlington and County Dur-ham, particularly so-called yob culture, including graffiti, teenage drinking, vandalism and criminal damage.

But Chief Insp Hall said that for the campaign to really work, the public needed to gain trust in the force's abilities and work with officers to tackle problems.

"The public need total confidence in us to make a call and know they will be taken seriously," he said.

"For victims and witnesses it is about ensuring we provide the necessary support.

"We are working closely with the courts, Crown Prosecution Service, Probation and Prison Service to ensure a positive outcome."

Between 1993 and last year, crime in County Durham and Darlington fell by about 25 per cent and in 2003-2004 the area had one of the lowest rates of crime per head of population in England and Wales.

However, results from a recent British Crime Survey show that local communities in the area have one of the country's highest levels for the fear of crime and disorder.

StreetSafe is a long-term scheme, which works on four themes to help improve people's quality of life in their community. These are:

* Presence in the community - high levels of police visibility and accessible policing services.

* Environmental and physical factors - tackling crimes such as graffiti, abandoned cars and signs of neglect quickly, as well as dealing with groups of youths drinking or taking drugs in public.

* Effective response - presence of community wardens, closed-circuit television cameras, special constables, neighbourhood wardens to help ensure a rapid police response; training to help officers deal with people in a professional manner.

* Communication and public engagement - good contact with the public to gain reassurance; working within partnerships to engage with the community consulting on every level.

Chief Insp Hall said community inspectors and beat officers were establishing links with parish councils, residents' groups, schools and the public, but admitted they need strengthening further.

He said: "If we can work together we will provide the results."

* What do you think of policing in your area? Contact Kate Bowman on (01325) 505071.