DRUG and alcohol abuse are being given a high priority in Darlington's Youth Justice Plan for the next three years.
Councillor Bill Dixon, cabinet member with special responsibility for social issues, told councillors: "Unless we tackle the problems of drug and alcohol abuse, we won't make a great difference to the levels of crime."
Although there had been a significant reduction in crime in the past five years, figures were starting to rise again.
"Domestic burglaries were almost wiped out a year ago and - although things look bad in statistical terms now - they are not as bad as people might believe," he said.
Stressing the need for public reassurance, he said: "The streets of our borough are safe.
"The people most at risk in this town are aged between 17 and 25 and are out between midnight and 2am."
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