Agenda item

The minutes of the Meeting held 26 June 2024 and Special Meeting held 1 July 2024 were agreed as correct records and signed by the Chair.

Councillor G Lee noted rural and urban crime statistics, and that research had shown rural crime had increased by 22 percent. 

He noted there were said to be 20 criminal gangs operating in rural areas and added he was concerned that rural and urban crime figures were being grouped together.  He explained he felt it would be better for the Panel if the statistics were reported separately so the Panel were able to see where crime was occurring.

Councillor D Nicholls entered the meeting at 1.35pm

The Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner (DPCC), Graham Hall noted ‘Safer Countryside’ was a priority area and would be an element he would be looking at, adding he would share information with the Panel and relevant Local Councillors.  Councillor G Lee noted that he was able to inform his local Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) as regards local issues directly, rather his point was for the Panel to receive information in respect of urban and rural crime statistics to be better able to monitor the situation.  The Head of Business Services, Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), Sweety Sahani noted that she would speak with colleagues from the Performance Team at Durham Constabulary about how the statistics were recorded.  The DPCC again reassured the Panel as regards the work in relation to ‘Safer Countryside’.

Councillor L Hovvels noted similar issues in the smaller villages, adding that reporting to the Police should be encouraged more in those rural areas.  The DPCC noted the importance of the relationships between Local Councillors and their Neighbourhood Teams in being able to come forward with any local issues.