Rural communities in County Durham and Darlington have been told that the police are “here to help” as they work to reduce crime, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.
Police chiefs throughout the region have vowed to continue working with residents to protect their livelihoods through the rural crime strategy, which was established in 2025.
Working with residents and developing a bespoke strategy based on local needs, Durham Constabulary has highlighted the key issues affecting rural communities today.
- Theft of agricultural machinery and quads
- Poaching, deer and hare coursing, crop damage
- Livestock thefts and attacks
- Equine tack and trailer thefts
- Fly-tipping and illegal littering
- Wildlife crime and illegal traps
- Domestic abuse and social isolation
Durham Constabulary has increased the number of single point of contact officers (SPOC )to 24, providing coverage and resilience across the whole of County Durham and Darlington. The officers are based within neighbourhood policing teams, so have a geographical responsibility for their specific areas. The force has also increased the number of wildlife crime officers to 4.
Officers currently engage with the rural community through WhatsApp, with several groups containing more than 1,500 members.
Funding has been received for wildlife cameras, which will be deployed to repeat incidents and locations, and dashcams for members of ruralwatch
Inspector Andy Reeves was chosen to lead the partnership as the policing Inspector for Crook, Weardale, Barnard Castle and Teesdale. He said: “Whilst there is still a significant amount of work to do, the Partnership arrangement and strategic vision set for the rural crime strategy will reassure our rural communities that police are here to help and address their needs through collaborative partnership working.”
Joy Allen, County Durham and Darlington Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), has also funded new security equipment as part of her mission to reduce countryside crime and protect rural livelihoods.
As part of a series of Police and Crime Plan commitments designed to increase support and protection for rural communities, the PCC has vowed to work with rural communities to help secure rural businesses.
She said: “I am committed to raising the profile of rural, heritage and wildlife crime, and to campaign for changes in law and increased funding for rural policing to give our rural communities and businesses the security and protection they deserve.”
A survey undertaken by the PCC revealed 82% of rural residents had experienced fly-tipping, while 23% had experienced vehicle theft and 19% livestock theft.
PCC Allen added: “We must also address the huge cost of machinery theft, fly-tipping, vandalism, and the theft of metals from our historic buildings. The often hidden issues of domestic abuse, stalking, and mental health in our rural communities, where victims often feel more isolated and vulnerable.
“Above all, rural communities should receive the quality policing they expect and deserve.”
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
