Reported crimes in County Durham and Darlington are on the increase, according to the latest performance report from Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner, Ron Hogg.
The report indicates that whilst levels of anti-social behaviour reduced by 12% over the twelve months to September 2017, reported crime rose by 35%.
At the same time, confidence in the Police is higher in Durham than almost anywhere else in the country. 85% of people agree that ‘taking everything into account I have confidence in the police’, compared to a national average of 79%.
There are three reasons for the increase in recorded crime:
• National changes to recording rules which require more incidents including harassment to be recorded as crimes
• The public are increasingly confident to report crimes, including those that occurred in the past
• There have been real increases in crimes such as theft, robbery and arson
Hogg added: “It is reassuring that victims appear to be increasingly confident to come forward and report their experiences, especially victims of sexual offences and hate crime.
“Durham Constabulary is still the most effective and efficient police force in the country. Our police officers do an excellent job, every day, keeping the public safe.
“However, the number of Police Officers in County Durham and Darlington has dropped by 400 since 2010 and I am concerned that the budget for local policing continues to reduce.
“I have continued to call on the Government to ensure that Police have the resources they need to protect the public.”