MORE than 500 people have taken part in a crime audit in Chester-le-Street.

Members from a number of community groups were asked to name their priorities for reducing crime and improving community safety in the town.

The crime review was carried out by the Responsible Authorities Group (Rag), which is made up of Durham Police, Chester-le-Street District Council, Durham County Council, together with other agencies.

The group aims to tackle key concerns, including violent crime and domestic violence, house burglary, drug abuse and anti-social behaviour.

Julie Higginbottom, of the county council's community safety unit, said: "This gives us a snapshot of crime and disorder in Chester-le-Street and shows us how the area compares with the rest of England and Wales.

"Rag is working hard to reduced crime but we can all make a dramatic difference to the level of crime."

Chief Superintendent Eric Suddes, of Durham Police, said: "Simply removing valuables from cars when we park could cut car crime considerably, for instance.

"We need people both to take care of themselves and give us feedback when we publish a summary of the audit next year."

The audit follows a police clampdown on drug use, carried out in Chester-le-Street this year.

The Rat on a Rat campaign, which is backed by The Northern Echo and Durham Agency Against Crime, encourages residents to expose drug dealers in the town.

It scored a notable success in the summer when arrests across the town led to a combined sentence of 47 years for ten heroin dealers.

The crime audit summary will be distributed in the district in the New Year. Anyone wanting more information, or wishing to contribute, is asked to contact Chester-le-Street District Council's community safety team, on 0191- 387 2404