POLICE are continuing to ramp up their efforts to tackle rural crime in the North-East.

A new Rural Policing Statement ‘One Year On’ has been published to highlight the additional resources that have been deployed over the last 12 months to address concerns in communities across Darlington and County Durham.

The statement, issued jointly by Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner, Ron Hogg, and Chief Constable Mike Barton, calls on residents to give their views on how the force is tackling rural issues.

Residents have previously raised concerns relating to theft of livestock and equipment from farms, fly-tipping, speeding and unsafe driving, poaching, trading in endangered species and damage of protected sites and habitats.

The statement was initially produced 12 months ago after the force recognised that policing in rural areas needs to be different to that in towns, because of the “different nature” of the crimes.

The one-year-on statement confirms that despite a reduced budget over recent years, the number of officers working in rural areas has remained “stable”.

Mr Hogg said the force had made some “good progress” in the last year, but it still had “a lot to do”.

“We have added some more vehicles, including a 4x4, and we have purchased torches and night vision equipment to help tackle crime at night,” he said.

“I have been down to London to raise my concerns and make sure that the force is fairly funded and that rural police don’t miss out.

“We want constant feedback to know what we are doing well and what we can do more of.”

Mr Hogg was speaking as he addressed concerns about rural policing at Acorn Dairy in Darlington.

The farm’s owner, Gordon Tweddle said: “The police have done a wonderful job in trying to put a lid on the problem."

Mr Hogg added: “People living in the rural areas of County Durham and Darlington will feel safe – they will know that their concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour will be understood and addressed by the police.

“The intelligence of the public is vital to cutting crime – we need them to assist us by providing information, even if it seems trivial.”

Gerald Lee, Darlington Council ward councillor for Heighington & Coniscliffe, said: “85 per cent of people in Darlington live in rural areas, and this means communities need to know that when they report an incident, there will be a fast response.”