NEWLY-elected Police, Crime and Victims Commissioner Joy Allen says she is keen to work with rural groups to tackle issues prioritised by isolated communities.
A meeting, organised by the dale’s neighbourhood police inspector Ed Turner with representatives from farming charity Utass, members of Ruralwatch and area action partnership officers, was held in the tranquil setting of Water’s Meeting, in Harwood-in-Teesdale, home to upland farming champion, Richard Betton.
The farmyard location was chosen to identify the geographical challenges faced by residents of both Teesdale and Weardale, and for police officers covering the area.
Insp Turner said: “It wasn’t a mistake having the meeting in a farmyard.
“It illustrates the geography of the dale, the huge distances that we have to cover and the isolation and vulnerability people can feel.
“Teesdale and Weardale are a complete contrast to the east of the county and the type of crime here is different to what you might find in Peterlee.
“I wanted to illustrate how working in partnership is key to policing the area. I wanted to impress how we are part of a team and working together is the key keeping crime down in the dales.”
The success of the Farmwatch Whatsapp group message relay, which resulted in the recovery of a stolen quad bike after just 37 minutes, was highlighted by Bob Danby and Emma Spry from Utass.
Mr Danby said: “Everyone knows each other or is related to one another in the dale and if a quad bike is stolen from one farm it is felt by all. It’s a real community and the jungle drums work fast in the dale because people care.”
Ms Spry added: “Rural policing is not one size fits all, it needs to be tailored to the area.”
Insp Turner said: “The Whatapp messaging works and even if I had 50 officers in the dale, we wouldn’t have those results. I believe the more difficult we make it, by initiatives like this, the more the message will get out.”
Fly-tipping and poaching were two issues raised by, vice-chairman of Ruralwatch, Clem O’Donovan, that needed to be addressed – but stressed victims should not be forgotten.
Ms Allen said: “I do intend to be an outwardly focussing PCVC and the theme of partnership is one I am keen to work on. Helping support local initiatives and getting to what the people of County Durham prioritise is important for me.”
Addressing reluctance from the public reporting crime due to lengthy delays to speak to an operator on the non-emergency police 101 was something she is keen to tackle, as 37 per cent of crime still goes unreported.
She added: “It is not just a regional issue, but a national one and there are moves to use a digital system.
“It is not going to happen overnight but it is a priority for me. Getting all the jigsaw pieces in place so they fit and work together is the key.
“You have a new PCVC and a new body of representatives at County Hall and I see this is as a great opportunity.”
