Crime and anti-social behaviour falls by 25 per cent in Newton Aycliffe (From The Advertiser Series)

Crime and anti-social behaviour falls by 25 per cent in Newton Aycliffe

3:05pm Friday 4th January 2013 in News By Lizzie Anderson

POLICE officers in a South Durham town have pledged to continue the fight against crime and anti social behaviour after figures reveal a 25 per cent reduction in 2012.

The total number of incidents of crime and anti social behaviour in Newton Aycliffe fell by one quarter during last year, from 2,878 in 2011 to 2,133.

This includes a 32 per cent reduction in anti social behaviour, from 1,818 in 2011 to 1,251, and a 17 per cent reduction in crime, with the number of incidents falling from 1060 to 882.

Neighbourhood inspector Mark Hall said: “This is fantastic evidence of the way in which Newton Aycliffe as a whole pulls together as a community.

“They are more than just figures. They give us all confidence and reassurance that my team of officers, the council, councillors, Area Action Partnership and all partner agencies are working hard to give the community of Newton Aycliffe what they want – a safer neighbourhood.”

Woodham, Shafto St Marys and Greenfield Middridge are among the areas with the most notable reductions.

Woodham and Shafto St Mary’s saw anti-social behaviour fall by 40 and 42 per cent, respectively. Crime, meanwhile, fell by 19 and 24 per cent, respectively.

In Greenfield Middridge, crime fell by 38 per cent and anti-social behaviour fell by 26 per cent.

Resident Phil Clark, who is chairman of Horndale Residents Association and a regular at Greenfield Police and Community Together meetings, said the statistics were reflected on the ground.

“There has definitely been a reduction in crime in the last year,” said Mr Clark. “That is not to say it has gone altogether but there has certainly been an improvement.

“The figures are very encouraging and I think it is important to recognise the work of the police as people are quick to criticise.”

Mr Clark also singled out the efforts of PCSO Mike Welch to reduce anti-social behaviour, adding: “Without him I think the problems would be much worse. “Hopefully the statistics will help stop the fear of crime, which is often worse than the crime itself.”

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