According to a recent survey carried out by Bishop Auckland MP, Helen Goodman, anti-social behaviour is the biggest concern for residents of the town.
Residents in Bishop took part in the survey, as well as those in Shildon, Spennymoor and Teesdale. It was discovered that people were mostly concerned about burglaries, road safety and alcohol-related crime.
Helen commented, “I was very pleased with the level of public response to this survey. I recently went on night patrol with police and it was really interesting to see the type of crimes that our police deal with every day.
“Police numbers in Durham are up more than 120 officers since 1997, and it is no coincidence that crime has fallen across the county and in my constituency in the last year.
“I know, however, that antisocial behaviour is still a real problem that affects communitites across the constituency, and I am pleased that Durham Police are using the powers given to them by the Government to provide local community policing, particularly through programmes such as StreetSafe where officers work alongside the local council, street wardens and the emergency services to identify and improve antisocial behavious ‘hotspots’.
“While on patrol with the local police, I was shocked by the level of alcohol related crime and I am not surprised that the survey also reflects public concern about this. I know Durham Police have introduced initiatives to target under-age drinking and drinking in public, and these have had some success, but this is a deep-seated problem that is mirrored across the country.”
Helen has also lobbied Durham County Council to reduce speed limits and provide pedestrian crossings, especially on St Andrew’s Road.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
