Aycliffe policing concerns

Residents have labelled Newton Aycliffe a ‘Cinderella’ area due to the amount of police resources, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar. 

Police chiefs were told that the number of officers assigned to cover the town and nearby Shildon, Sedgefield and the Trimdon villages is not enough compared to nearby areas. 

“We are a Cinderella compared with Darlington and Bishop Auckland,” said Debbie Ingram, during a Great Aycliffe Town Council meeting discussing local policing. 

“If you look at the population of Bishop Auckland, we are about the same. Why are we always the Cinderella when it comes to serving us?”

Graham Hall, deputy police and crime commissioner, said the distribution of officers is based on a long-standing formula adopted by the force – but residents fear it is leading to more crime. 

“People are sick of it,” Ms Ingram said. 

She added: “I have been living in this town for nine years now and I have seen it [go up]. We have the summer holidays coming up in a couple of months time and we know that it will kick off again.”

The council meeting was told that youths throwing mud at cars and windows is among a catalogue of incidents recently reported by residents. 

One town centre shopkeeper recently revealed he fears his doors will be put in every night and residents say they’re too scared to visit the town centre after dark as it is blighted by anti-social behaviour.

Cllr Arun Chandran added: “Sooner or later someone is going to take the law into their own hands when they feel their lives are threatened.”

The meeting heard from the area’s police inspector, Simon Peele, who stepped up to the role in February. “Where we can, we will put out as many officers as we can to be proactive,” he told residents. 

Officers have handed out awareness posters in shops throughout the town centre to warn store owners and customers. Police patrols have been increased in the hotspot areas of Tesco, Town Park and Leisure Centre. 

Insp Peele said: “We have been really active in trying to stamp out anti-social behaviour and crime because we know that’s what means a lot to the people of Aycliffe. 

“We have put on additional patrols in the town centre on the back of the rise in anti-social behaviour.”

Yet, residents continue to criticise the lack of a permanent town centre base for the force amid a rise in anti-social behaviour and crime. 

Chris Clements is one of many residents calling for better visibility. He said: “A police presence in the heart of the town isn’t just symbolic; it reflects response times, deterrents, and public confidence.” 

Officers said the number of reports about illegal off-road bikes has increased in recent weeks, with Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays the worst days for anti-social behaviour. 

“It’s a problem that isn’t going to be solved overnight but we will keep at it and hopefully we are on the right path to solving it,” Insp Peele added.