Crackdown on crime launched (From The Advertiser Series)

Crackdown on crime launched

8:00am Thursday 22nd July 2010

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A WEEK of action tackling crime, anti-social behaviour and quality of life issues is taking place in Bishop Auckland.

The Bishop Auckland Neighbourhood Police Team launched Operation Relentless last Friday, with officers aiming to disrupt criminal activity and reduce anti-social behaviour.

Exercises throughout the eight-day initiative include speed-watch operations, tackling underage drinking, parking enforcement, community litterpicking activities, cleaning up river banks and graffiti, and school visits.

PC Anne-Marie Gray, town beat officer, said: “We are working closely with our partner agencies in order to address community issues and give something back to the public. The operation is intelligence led, and is structured around public concerns. The operation follows a similar campaign carried out in Darlington recently and will be rolled out to other areas in the near future.”

Following the launch on Friday, a large quantity of alcohol was seized from the Costcutter store, in Leeholme, as part of a joint operation with HM Revenue and Customs to inspect off-licensed premises for non-duty paid goods and alcohol.

A quantity of tobacco and cigarettes was also seized after they could not be accounted for through the store’s purchasing system.

On Monday, offenders working with Durham Tees Valley Probation Trust carried out a clean-up of Bishop Auckland Amateur Boxing Club.

Helen Crosby, deputy probation manager, said: “The offenders are all local to this area. This gives them a chance to put something back into the community they live in.”

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