Dear Sir,
I had the pleasure of visiting Newton Aycliffe Neighbourhood Policing Team this month and found out how they have been tackling anti-social behaviour in the area. I met with Inspector Sarah Honeyman and Sergeant Andy Boyd who showed me the hotspot areas for anti-social behaviour around the town and how they are looking at measures to prevent this behaviour. New initiatives are being explored in Newton Aycliffe in collaboration with the council and local services. Newton Aycliffe Neighbourhood Policing Team are working to establish a community hub like PACT House, Stanley, which would become a safe space for local people looking for practical and emotional support, all in a relaxed café-type environment.
I also had the pleasure of meeting PC Mike Welch who has been in the police force for over fourteen years. It was great to see the relationships he has built within the community and listening to those who need help or have concerns. He has a strong passion for policing and delivers an exceptional level of service for Durham Police. I learned about other initiatives that have been on-going over recent months to tackle anti-social behaviour including officers spending time with young people who have previously caused anti-social behaviour, who are now working on projects giving back to the community. A young person who previously caused anti-social behaviour in the community led a project to create Christmas wreaths to give to families, vulnerable persons and nursing homes within the Western Area. Over 50 wreaths were created and delivered to families within the community in partnership with the local garden centre and funding from the Western Partnership. The local McDonald’s has also partnered with the neighbourhood policing team to award young people that have shown fantastic community spirit in Newton Aycliffe through the ACE programme, as well as looking at ways to further support teenagers in the future through work experience and mentoring.
Newton Aycliffe Neighbourhood Policing Team has also been supported by partners in obtaining funding to assist in the safer homes initiative whereby victims of crime will be offered additional security measures free of charge. It was great to meet more of the Newton Aycliffe Neighbourhood Policing Team this month and discuss ways they are preventing anti-social behaviour and working with young people. Anti-social behaviour is a blight for many, and I have seen first-hand the comprehensive response which Durham police are driving. Policing has no magic wand to stop anti-social behaviour, but they do have the innovation, ideas and partnerships to make long term sustainable changes to prevent rather than react to the behaviour. Well done Newton Aycliffe.
Steve White, Acting Durham Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner
