RESIDENTS living in the Denes area of Darlington are becoming increasingly concerned about crime and anti-social behaviour in the area, it has been revealed.

A door-to-door survey carried out by Conservative candidates for the Pierremont ward found that many residents were victims of crime and drugs.

There were also reports of hypodermic needles being dumped in gardens and parks, drugs being sold openly on the streets, damage to vehicles and fly-tipping.

Some residents said they had been burgled while they were in their homes.

The ward candidates are now calling for a zero tolerance approach to be adopted by Darlington police, following the sample survey which was conducted at the beginning of March.

Kimberley Summers of Darlington Conservative Association, said: "One of the major issues people kept bringing up was crime. There was everything from serious problems such as cars and houses being broken into to nuisance crimes such as fly tipping which are less frightening but can still affect people's lives.

"Residents felt these problems were not being sorted out, that things were happening but it did not seem to be enough response to them. Crime has to be seen as a priority, it affects the quality of people's lives. We want zero tolerance of crimes and drugs.

"Small crimes are not taken seriously so people think they can get away with it but they need to be nipped in the bud before it leads to more serious offending."

Chief Superintendent Michael Banks, of Darlington Police, said last night that zero tolerance was not part of Durham Constabulary's philosophy.

He said of the 164 crimes reported across Darlington's 25 wards last week nine were in Pierremont, equating a little over one crime a day.

Chief Supt Banks said: "We deal with crime and disorder in what we believe is the most appropriate way.

"Law-abiding residents can be reassured that tackling those who make life a misery for members of our communities is one of the top priorities and every effort is being made to combat anti-social behaviour.

"We welcome input from residents in the ward as their comments help raise awareness of the issues which concern them."