POLICE DETAILS
Durham Constabulary - Consett (Blackhill-Ebchester-Leadgate) Neighbourhood

Durham Constabulary Information

Norfolk Constabulary

Durham Constabulary polices the area of County Durham and Darlington Borough, which together occupy an area of 2,232 sq. km. The area is predominantly rural, with more than half of its residents living in settlements of less than 10,000 people. There are 12 main towns and over 260 small towns and villages, many of which are former colliery villages. The population of the constabulary area is estimated to be 604,900 (ONS mid year estimate 2007), of which 1.2% are from ethnic minority groups

Consett (Blackhill-Ebchester-Leadgate) Neighbourhood

Durham Constabulary has not provided any neighbourhood information at this time.

Police Force Map - Durham Constabulary

Neighbourhood Map - Consett (Blackhill-Ebchester-Leadgate)

Senior Officer Details

Ciaron Irvine (Deputy Chief Constable)
Jon McAdam (Assistant Chief Constable)
Rachel Bacon (Chief Constable)
Richie Allen (Assistant Chief Constable)
Ciaron Irvine (Deputy Chief Constable)
Jon McAdam (Assistant Chief Constable)
Rachel Bacon (Chief Constable)
Richie Allen (Assistant Chief Constable)
Ciaron Irvine (Deputy Chief Constable)
Jon McAdam (Assistant Chief Constable)
Rachel Bacon (Chief Constable)
Richie Allen (Assistant Chief Constable)
Ciaron Irvine (Deputy Chief Constable)
Jon McAdam (Assistant Chief Constable)
Rachel Bacon (Chief Constable)
Richie Allen (Assistant Chief Constable)
Ciaron Irvine (Deputy Chief Constable)
Jon McAdam (Assistant Chief Constable)
Rachel Bacon (Chief Constable)
Richie Allen (Assistant Chief Constable)

Neighbourhood Officer Details

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Andy Liddell (Inspector)

I am a Police Inspector approaching 25 years’ service. I began my career as a constable on front line response working at Consett, then Stanley before spending many years in pretty much every location with Durham Constabulary. I have worked within the training environment mentoring new recruits to degree standard and spent many shifts as a custody Sergeant before joining Stanley and Consett as the Neighbourhood Inspector in May 2025. I remain extremely enthused and motivated to continue the fabulous work the neighbourhood teams and our dedicated partners do to drive performance, protect, and ensure our communities are a safer and more enjoyable place to live.

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Beth Jermey (Sergeant)

Hi, I’m the Police Sergeant covering Consett Rural Team. My team cover most of the area outside of the main town. I’ve been a police officer since 2016 and have spent the last 2 and a half years as a Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant at Consett. My career prior to Neighbourhood Policing was spent mainly on response policing teams and a short period in Custody. I am lucky to be part of a great team in Consett, working closely with our communities and partner agencies. I enjoy the variety in Neighbourhood Policing and the constant opportunities to learn and be creative in tackling crime. I am particularly passionate around supporting our rural communities and finding new ways to combat rural crime.

+
Jack Dixon (PCSO)

Hello, my name is Jack. Before becoming a PCSO I was an apprentice at Stanley Police station for 15 months, helping the Volume Crime team by assisting in any way I could. Now that I am a PCSO I am even more determined to make a positive impact on the local community. I will be covering Ebchester, Medomsley, Hamstley, and Leadgate.

+
Jonathan Rutherford (PCSO)

Hi, I'm a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) with 5 years of experience, currently covering Shotley, Benfieldside, and Bridgehill. I'm passionate about supporting the community and helping to keep our neighbourhoods safe and connected. Fun fact: when I'm not on patrol, you'll probably find me in the gym – I never miss leg day!

+
Katrina Joyce (Police Constable)

I am the local beat officer for Lanchester, Leadgate, Medomsley and Hamsterley. I enjoy working within the community and I started my career as a Police Community Support Officer almost 19 years ago in Stanley, before then becoming a Police Officer 2 and a half years later working mainly on Response. 2 years ago I then joined the Consett Neighbourhood Team. I work with a very enthusiastic team and we all strive to do the best we can to serve the community

+
Louise Wilson (Police Constable)

Hi, I'm Louise, I'm the local officer for Blackhill, Bridgehill, Benfieldside and Shotley Bridge. Please give Jonny and me a wave if you see us out and about!

+
Andy Liddell (Inspector)

I am a Police Inspector approaching 25 years’ service. I began my career as a constable on front line response working at Consett, then Stanley before spending many years in pretty much every location with Durham Constabulary. I have worked within the training environment mentoring new recruits to degree standard and spent many shifts as a custody Sergeant before joining Stanley and Consett as the Neighbourhood Inspector in May 2025. I remain extremely enthused and motivated to continue the fabulous work the neighbourhood teams and our dedicated partners do to drive performance, protect, and ensure our communities are a safer and more enjoyable place to live.

+
Beth Jermey (Sergeant)

Hi, I’m the Police Sergeant covering Consett Rural Team. My team cover most of the area outside of the main town. I’ve been a police officer since 2016 and have spent the last 2 and a half years as a Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant at Consett. My career prior to Neighbourhood Policing was spent mainly on response policing teams and a short period in Custody. I am lucky to be part of a great team in Consett, working closely with our communities and partner agencies. I enjoy the variety in Neighbourhood Policing and the constant opportunities to learn and be creative in tackling crime. I am particularly passionate around supporting our rural communities and finding new ways to combat rural crime.

+
Hayden Taylor (Police Constable)

Hi, I am one of the local policing team covering Lanchester, Leadgate, Medomsley, Hamsterley and Ebchester. I have recently moved to the Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team from preciously working in Response Policing at Consett. Before this I worked in Chester-Le-Street and have good knowledge of the area. I have a strong dislike of unfairness and look forward to tackling this on a local level getting to grips with the local communities and the issues that effect us the most.

+
Jack Dixon (PCSO)

Hello, my name is Jack. Before becoming a PCSO I was an apprentice at Stanley Police station for 15 months, helping the Volume Crime team by assisting in any way I could. Now that I am a PCSO I am even more determined to make a positive impact on the local community. I will be covering Ebchester, Medomsley, Hamstley, and Leadgate.

+
Jonathan Rutherford (PCSO)

Hi, I'm a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) with 5 years of experience, currently covering Shotley, Benfieldside, and Bridgehill. I'm passionate about supporting the community and helping to keep our neighbourhoods safe and connected. Fun fact: when I'm not on patrol, you'll probably find me in the gym – I never miss leg day!

+
Katrina Joyce (Police Constable)

I am the local beat officer for Lanchester, Leadgate, Medomsley and Hamsterley. I enjoy working within the community and I started my career as a Police Community Support Officer almost 19 years ago in Stanley, before then becoming a Police Officer 2 and a half years later working mainly on Response. 2 years ago I then joined the Consett Neighbourhood Team. I work with a very enthusiastic team and we all strive to do the best we can to serve the community

+
Louise Wilson (Police Constable)

Hi, I'm Louise, I'm the local officer for Blackhill, Bridgehill, Benfieldside and Shotley Bridge. Please give Jonny and me a wave if you see us out and about!

+
Andy Liddell (Inspector)

I am a Police Inspector approaching 25 years’ service. I began my career as a constable on front line response working at Consett, then Stanley before spending many years in pretty much every location with Durham Constabulary. I have worked within the training environment mentoring new recruits to degree standard and spent many shifts as a custody Sergeant before joining Stanley and Consett as the Neighbourhood Inspector in May 2025. I remain extremely enthused and motivated to continue the fabulous work the neighbourhood teams and our dedicated partners do to drive performance, protect, and ensure our communities are a safer and more enjoyable place to live.

+
Beth Jermey (Sergeant)

Hi, I’m the Police Sergeant covering Consett Rural Team. My team cover most of the area outside of the main town. I’ve been a police officer since 2016 and have spent the last 2 and a half years as a Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant at Consett. My career prior to Neighbourhood Policing was spent mainly on response policing teams and a short period in Custody. I am lucky to be part of a great team in Consett, working closely with our communities and partner agencies. I enjoy the variety in Neighbourhood Policing and the constant opportunities to learn and be creative in tackling crime. I am particularly passionate around supporting our rural communities and finding new ways to combat rural crime.

+
Hayden Taylor (Police Constable)

Hi, I am one of the local policing team covering Lanchester, Leadgate, Medomsley, Hamsterley and Ebchester. I have recently moved to the Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team from preciously working in Response Policing at Consett. Before this I worked in Chester-Le-Street and have good knowledge of the area. I have a strong dislike of unfairness and look forward to tackling this on a local level getting to grips with the local communities and the issues that effect us the most.

+
Jack Dixon (PCSO)

Hello, my name is Jack. Before becoming a PCSO I was an apprentice at Stanley Police station for 15 months, helping the Volume Crime team by assisting in any way I could. Now that I am a PCSO I am even more determined to make a positive impact on the local community. I will be covering Ebchester, Medomsley, Hamstley, and Leadgate.

+
Jonathan Rutherford (PCSO)

Hi, I'm a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) with 5 years of experience, currently covering Shotley, Benfieldside, and Bridgehill. I'm passionate about supporting the community and helping to keep our neighbourhoods safe and connected. Fun fact: when I'm not on patrol, you'll probably find me in the gym – I never miss leg day!

+
Katrina Joyce (Police Constable)

I am the local beat officer for Lanchester, Leadgate, Medomsley and Hamsterley. I enjoy working within the community and I started my career as a Police Community Support Officer almost 19 years ago in Stanley, before then becoming a Police Officer 2 and a half years later working mainly on Response. 2 years ago I then joined the Consett Neighbourhood Team. I work with a very enthusiastic team and we all strive to do the best we can to serve the community

+
Louise Wilson (Police Constable)

Hi, I'm Louise, I'm the local officer for Blackhill, Bridgehill, Benfieldside and Shotley Bridge. Please give Jonny and me a wave if you see us out and about!

+
Andy Liddell (Inspector)

I am a Police Inspector approaching 25 years’ service. I began my career as a constable on front line response working at Consett, then Stanley before spending many years in pretty much every location with Durham Constabulary. I have worked within the training environment mentoring new recruits to degree standard and spent many shifts as a custody Sergeant before joining Stanley and Consett as the Neighbourhood Inspector in May 2025. I remain extremely enthused and motivated to continue the fabulous work the neighbourhood teams and our dedicated partners do to drive performance, protect, and ensure our communities are a safer and more enjoyable place to live.

+
Beth Jermey (Sergeant)

Hi, I’m the Police Sergeant covering Consett Rural Team. My team cover most of the area outside of the main town. I’ve been a police officer since 2016 and have spent the last 2 and a half years as a Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant at Consett. My career prior to Neighbourhood Policing was spent mainly on response policing teams and a short period in Custody. I am lucky to be part of a great team in Consett, working closely with our communities and partner agencies. I enjoy the variety in Neighbourhood Policing and the constant opportunities to learn and be creative in tackling crime. I am particularly passionate around supporting our rural communities and finding new ways to combat rural crime.

+
Hayden Taylor (Police Constable)

Hi, I am one of the local policing team covering Lanchester, Leadgate, Medomsley, Hamsterley and Ebchester. I have recently moved to the Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team from preciously working in Response Policing at Consett. Before this I worked in Chester-Le-Street and have good knowledge of the area. I have a strong dislike of unfairness and look forward to tackling this on a local level getting to grips with the local communities and the issues that effect us the most.

+
Jack Dixon (PCSO)

Hello, my name is Jack. Before becoming a PCSO I was an apprentice at Stanley Police station for 15 months, helping the Volume Crime team by assisting in any way I could. Now that I am a PCSO I am even more determined to make a positive impact on the local community. I will be covering Ebchester, Medomsley, Hamstley, and Leadgate.

+
Jonathan Rutherford (PCSO)

Hi, I'm a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) with 5 years of experience, currently covering Shotley, Benfieldside, and Bridgehill. I'm passionate about supporting the community and helping to keep our neighbourhoods safe and connected. Fun fact: when I'm not on patrol, you'll probably find me in the gym – I never miss leg day!

+
Katrina Joyce (Police Constable)

I am the local beat officer for Lanchester, Leadgate, Medomsley and Hamsterley. I enjoy working within the community and I started my career as a Police Community Support Officer almost 19 years ago in Stanley, before then becoming a Police Officer 2 and a half years later working mainly on Response. 2 years ago I then joined the Consett Neighbourhood Team. I work with a very enthusiastic team and we all strive to do the best we can to serve the community

+
Louise Wilson (Police Constable)

Hi, I'm Louise, I'm the local officer for Blackhill, Bridgehill, Benfieldside and Shotley Bridge. Please give Jonny and me a wave if you see us out and about!

+
Andy Liddell (Inspector)

I am a Police Inspector approaching 25 years’ service. I began my career as a constable on front line response working at Consett, then Stanley before spending many years in pretty much every location with Durham Constabulary. I have worked within the training environment mentoring new recruits to degree standard and spent many shifts as a custody Sergeant before joining Stanley and Consett as the Neighbourhood Inspector in May 2025. I remain extremely enthused and motivated to continue the fabulous work the neighbourhood teams and our dedicated partners do to drive performance, protect, and ensure our communities are a safer and more enjoyable place to live.

+
Beth Jermey (Sergeant)

Hi, I’m the Police Sergeant covering Consett Rural Team. My team cover most of the area outside of the main town. I’ve been a police officer since 2016 and have spent the last 2 and a half years as a Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant at Consett. My career prior to Neighbourhood Policing was spent mainly on response policing teams and a short period in Custody. I am lucky to be part of a great team in Consett, working closely with our communities and partner agencies. I enjoy the variety in Neighbourhood Policing and the constant opportunities to learn and be creative in tackling crime. I am particularly passionate around supporting our rural communities and finding new ways to combat rural crime.

+
Hayden Taylor (Police Constable)

Hi, I am one of the local policing team covering Lanchester, Leadgate, Medomsley, Hamsterley and Ebchester. I have recently moved to the Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team from preciously working in Response Policing at Consett. Before this I worked in Chester-Le-Street and have good knowledge of the area. I have a strong dislike of unfairness and look forward to tackling this on a local level getting to grips with the local communities and the issues that effect us the most.

+
Jack Dixon (PCSO)

Hello, my name is Jack. Before becoming a PCSO I was an apprentice at Stanley Police station for 15 months, helping the Volume Crime team by assisting in any way I could. Now that I am a PCSO I am even more determined to make a positive impact on the local community. I will be covering Ebchester, Medomsley, Hamstley, and Leadgate.

+
Jonathan Rutherford (PCSO)

Hi, I'm a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) with 5 years of experience, currently covering Shotley, Benfieldside, and Bridgehill. I'm passionate about supporting the community and helping to keep our neighbourhoods safe and connected. Fun fact: when I'm not on patrol, you'll probably find me in the gym – I never miss leg day!

+
Katrina Joyce (Police Constable)

I am the local beat officer for Lanchester, Leadgate, Medomsley and Hamsterley. I enjoy working within the community and I started my career as a Police Community Support Officer almost 19 years ago in Stanley, before then becoming a Police Officer 2 and a half years later working mainly on Response. 2 years ago I then joined the Consett Neighbourhood Team. I work with a very enthusiastic team and we all strive to do the best we can to serve the community

+
Louise Wilson (Police Constable)

Hi, I'm Louise, I'm the local officer for Blackhill, Bridgehill, Benfieldside and Shotley Bridge. Please give Jonny and me a wave if you see us out and about!

Priorities

7 Jul 2025

Anti-social use of vehicles (predominantly unregistered off-road bikes) is a major concern for the community. Frequently uninsured and unroadworthy, the illegal use of such vehicles creates a risk of harm to the public and to the rider.

Response (4 Dec 2025)

Supported by Housing Agencies and Landlords, Community Protection Warning Notices are in the process of being issued to addresses where unregistered off-road motorbikes are known to be operated from. Intelligence gathering is being sought from the community around addresses where bikes are being used from. Officers from Consett and Stanley Neighbourhood Teams, Durham Constabulary Special Constables and Durham County Council Neighbourhood Wardens conducted a large operation in September targeting the illegal use of motorbikes, electric bikes and E-Scooters across the Consett and Stanley area. The operation included targeted patrols and enforcement work focusing on removing uninsured and illegal bikes from our roads, reducing the risks they pose to our community.

15 Aug 2025

This is causing financial loss to local businesses and distress to persons working within those stores, as well as to other shoppers who may witness the incidents.

Response (4 Dec 2025)

As well as having a dedicated retail crime SPOC within the neighbourhood policing team, we are working alongside the national Retail Crime Alliance (NCRA) to help prevent and detect retail crime across our communities. Officers are working closely with local retailers to share intelligence, carry out high visibility patrols, and offer practical advice to prevent fraud, and abuse towards shop staff. More recently, PC 9081 interviewed and charged a prolific shoplifter of 6 offences which have occurred within the Consett locality. Following a number of reports of youths causing issues within local retail shops, officers worked closely with Durham County Council’s ASB Team. Officers were able to identify youths from a number of CCTV cameras and are now being dealt with appropriately. During Safer Business Week, reporting packs were delivered to all identified stores that are not currently on the Shopwatch Scheme to provide consistency and quality of information being submitted by retailers when incidents occur.

15 Aug 2025

In our area this has included the anti-social use of vehicles such as off-road bikes, incidents between residents living in close proximity to each other. The area also has a number of buildings that are currently empty, attracting young people as a place to congregate and explore.

Response (25 Nov 2025)

Our officers are pro-active in the tackling of anti-social behavior within the community. We work closely with housing providers and the anti-social behavior team in Durham County Council.
In the past year we obtained a partial closure order on an address in Blackhill where there were numerous reports from residents of anti-social behavior causing distress to the community and liaised with the housing provider, the person in question has now been evicted from that property.
In the last 3 months we have issued a number of referrals to the anti-social behavior team in relation to under-18s causing anti-social behavior and investigated a number of reports of anti-social behavior between residences in close proximity to each other.
We have also completed inputs with a number of local schools around the dangers of going into disused buildings

4 Dec 2025

Anti-social use of vehicles (predominantly unregistered off-road bikes) is a major concern for the community. Frequently uninsured and unroadworthy, the illegal use of such vehicles creates a risk of harm to the public and to the rider.

Response (4 Dec 2025)

Supported by Housing Agencies and Landlords, Community Protection Warning Notices are in the process of being issued to addresses where unregistered off-road motorbikes are known to be operated from. Intelligence gathering is being sought from the community around addresses where bikes are being used from. Officers from Consett and Stanley Neighbourhood Teams, Durham Constabulary Special Constables and Durham County Council Neighbourhood Wardens conducted a large operation in September targeting the illegal use of motorbikes, electric bikes and E-Scooters across the Consett and Stanley area. The operation included targeted patrols and enforcement work focusing on removing uninsured and illegal bikes from our roads, reducing the risks they pose to our community.

4 Dec 2025

This is causing financial loss to local businesses and distress to persons working within those stores, as well as to other shoppers who may witness the incidents.

Response (4 Dec 2025)

As well as having a dedicated retail crime SPOC within the neighbourhood policing team, we are working alongside the national Retail Crime Alliance (NCRA) to help prevent and detect retail crime across our communities. Officers are working closely with local retailers to share intelligence, carry out high visibility patrols, and offer practical advice to prevent fraud, and abuse towards shop staff. More recently, PC 9081 interviewed and charged a prolific shoplifter of 6 offences which have occurred within the Consett locality. Following a number of reports of youths causing issues within local retail shops, officers worked closely with Durham County Council’s ASB Team. Officers were able to identify youths from a number of CCTV cameras and are now being dealt with appropriately. During Safer Business Week, reporting packs were delivered to all identified stores that are not currently on the Shopwatch Scheme to provide consistency and quality of information being submitted by retailers when incidents occur.

25 Nov 2025

In our area this has included the anti-social use of vehicles such as off-road bikes, incidents between residents living in close proximity to each other. The area also has a number of buildings that are currently empty, attracting young people as a place to congregate and explore.

Response (25 Nov 2025)

Our officers are pro-active in the tackling of anti-social behavior within the community. We work closely with housing providers and the anti-social behavior team in Durham County Council.
In the past year we obtained a partial closure order on an address in Blackhill where there were numerous reports from residents of anti-social behavior causing distress to the community and liaised with the housing provider, the person in question has now been evicted from that property.
In the last 3 months we have issued a number of referrals to the anti-social behavior team in relation to under-18s causing anti-social behavior and investigated a number of reports of anti-social behavior between residences in close proximity to each other.
We have also completed inputs with a number of local schools around the dangers of going into disused buildings

11 Mar 2026

Anti-social use of vehicles (predominantly unregistered off-road bikes) is a major concern for the community. Frequently uninsured and unroadworthy, the illegal use of such vehicles creates a risk of harm to the public and to the rider.

Response (11 Mar 2026)

Supported by Housing Agencies and Landlords, Community Protection Warning Notices are in the process of being issued to addresses where unregistered off-road motorbikes are known to be operated from. Intelligence gathering is being sought from the community around addresses where bikes are being used from. Officers from Consett and Stanley Neighbourhood Teams, Durham Constabulary Special Constables and Durham County Council Neighbourhood Wardens conducted a large operation targeting the illegal use of motorbikes, electric bikes and E-Scooters across the Consett and Stanley area. The operation included targeted patrols and enforcement work focusing on removing uninsured and illegal bikes from our roads, reducing the risks they pose to our community.

11 Mar 2026

This is causing financial loss to local businesses and distress to persons working within those stores, as well as to other shoppers who may witness the incidents.

Response (11 Mar 2026)

As well as having a dedicated retail crime SPOC within the neighbourhood policing team, we are working alongside the national Retail Crime Alliance (NCRA) to help prevent and detect retail crime across our communities. Officers are working closely with local retailers to share intelligence, carry out high visibility patrols, and offer practical advice to prevent fraud, and abuse towards shop staff. More recently, PC 9081 interviewed and charged a prolific shoplifter of 6 offences which have occurred within the Consett locality. Following a number of reports of youths causing issues within local retail shops, officers worked closely with Durham County Council’s ASB Team. Officers were able to identify youths from a number of CCTV cameras and are now being dealt with appropriately. During Safer Business Week, reporting packs were delivered to all identified stores that are not currently on the Shopwatch Scheme to provide consistency and quality of information being submitted by retailers when incidents occur.

11 Mar 2026

In our area this has included the anti-social use of vehicles such as off-road bikes, incidents between residents living in close proximity to each other. The area also has a number of buildings that are currently empty, attracting young people as a place to congregate and explore.

Response (11 Mar 2026)

Our officers are pro-active in the tackling of anti-social behavior within the community. We work closely with housing providers and the anti-social behavior team in Durham County Council.
In the past year we obtained a partial closure order on an address in Blackhill where there were numerous reports from residents of anti-social behavior causing distress to the community and liaised with the housing provider, the person in question has now been evicted from that property.
In the last 3 months we have issued a number of referrals to the anti-social behavior team in relation to under-18s causing anti-social behavior and investigated a number of reports of anti-social behavior between residences in close proximity to each other.
We have also completed inputs with a number of local schools around the dangers of going into disused buildings.

9 Jun 2026

Anti-social use of vehicles (predominantly unregistered off-road bikes) is a major concern for the community. Frequently uninsured and unroadworthy, the illegal use of such vehicles creates a risk of harm to the public and to the rider.

Response (9 Jun 2026)

Supported by Housing Agencies and Landlords, Community Protection Warning Notices are in the process of being issued to addresses where unregistered off-road motorbikes are known to be operated from. Intelligence gathering is being sought from the community around addresses where bikes are being used from. Officers from Consett and Stanley Neighbourhood Teams, Durham Constabulary Special Constables and Durham County Council Neighbourhood Wardens conducted a large operation targeting the illegal use of motorbikes, electric bikes and E-Scooters across the Consett and Stanley area. The operation included targeted patrols and enforcement work focusing on removing uninsured and illegal bikes from our roads, reducing the risks they pose to our community.

9 Jun 2026

This is causing financial loss to local businesses and distress to persons working within those stores, as well as to other shoppers who may witness the incidents.

Response (9 Jun 2026)

As well as having a dedicated retail crime SPOC within the neighbourhood policing team, we are working alongside the national Retail Crime Alliance (NCRA) to help prevent and detect retail crime across our communities. Officers are working closely with local retailers to share intelligence, carry out high visibility patrols, and offer practical advice to prevent fraud, and abuse towards shop staff. More recently, PC 9081 interviewed and charged a prolific shoplifter of 6 offences which have occurred within the Consett locality. Following a number of reports of youths causing issues within local retail shops, officers worked closely with Durham County Council’s ASB Team. Officers were able to identify youths from a number of CCTV cameras and are now being dealt with appropriately. During Safer Business Week, reporting packs were delivered to all identified stores that are not currently on the Shopwatch Scheme to provide consistency and quality of information being submitted by retailers when incidents occur.

9 Jun 2026

In our area this has included the anti-social use of vehicles such as off-road bikes, incidents between residents living in close proximity to each other. The area also has a number of buildings that are currently empty, attracting young people as a place to congregate and explore.

Response (9 Jun 2026)

Our officers are pro-active in the tackling of anti-social behavior within the community. We work closely with housing providers and the anti-social behavior team in Durham County Council.
In the past year we obtained a partial closure order on an address in Blackhill where there were numerous reports from residents of anti-social behavior causing distress to the community and liaised with the housing provider, the person in question has now been evicted from that property.
In the last 3 months we have issued a number of referrals to the anti-social behavior team in relation to under-18s causing anti-social behavior and investigated a number of reports of anti-social behavior between residences in close proximity to each other.
We have also completed inputs with a number of local schools around the dangers of going into disused buildings.

9 Jun 2026

Anti-social use of vehicles (predominantly unregistered off-road bikes) is a major concern for the community. Frequently uninsured and unroadworthy, the illegal use of such vehicles creates a risk of harm to the public and to the rider.

Response (9 Jun 2026)

Supported by Housing Agencies and Landlords, Community Protection Warning Notices are in the process of being issued to addresses where unregistered off-road motorbikes are known to be operated from. Intelligence gathering is being sought from the community around addresses where bikes are being used from. Officers from Consett and Stanley Neighbourhood Teams, Durham Constabulary Special Constables and Durham County Council Neighbourhood Wardens conducted a large operation targeting the illegal use of motorbikes, electric bikes and E-Scooters across the Consett and Stanley area. The operation included targeted patrols and enforcement work focusing on removing uninsured and illegal bikes from our roads, reducing the risks they pose to our community.

9 Jun 2026

This is causing financial loss to local businesses and distress to persons working within those stores, as well as to other shoppers who may witness the incidents.

Response (9 Jun 2026)

As well as having a dedicated retail crime SPOC within the neighbourhood policing team, we are working alongside the national Retail Crime Alliance (NCRA) to help prevent and detect retail crime across our communities. Officers are working closely with local retailers to share intelligence, carry out high visibility patrols, and offer practical advice to prevent fraud, and abuse towards shop staff. More recently, PC 9081 interviewed and charged a prolific shoplifter of 6 offences which have occurred within the Consett locality. Following a number of reports of youths causing issues within local retail shops, officers worked closely with Durham County Council’s ASB Team. Officers were able to identify youths from a number of CCTV cameras and are now being dealt with appropriately. During Safer Business Week, reporting packs were delivered to all identified stores that are not currently on the Shopwatch Scheme to provide consistency and quality of information being submitted by retailers when incidents occur.

9 Jun 2026

In our area this has included the anti-social use of vehicles such as off-road bikes, incidents between residents living in close proximity to each other. The area also has a number of buildings that are currently empty, attracting young people as a place to congregate and explore.

Response (9 Jun 2026)

Our officers are pro-active in the tackling of anti-social behavior within the community. We work closely with housing providers and the anti-social behavior team in Durham County Council.
In the past year we obtained a partial closure order on an address in Blackhill where there were numerous reports from residents of anti-social behavior causing distress to the community and liaised with the housing provider, the person in question has now been evicted from that property.
In the last 3 months we have issued a number of referrals to the anti-social behavior team in relation to under-18s causing anti-social behavior and investigated a number of reports of anti-social behavior between residences in close proximity to each other.
We have also completed inputs with a number of local schools around the dangers of going into disused buildings.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.