PCC funds new crackdown on opportunistic thieves this winter.

A new campaign is underway to ramp up efforts to prevent burglary and car crime over the winter months thanks to funding from Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen.

The County Durham and Darlington PCC has invested £18k into Durham Constabulary’s Winter Nights 2024 operation.

The initiative, which runs until January 2025, will see hundreds of householders handed free crime prevention equipment and security devices including fake TVs, UV pens, light timers, window alarms and door chimes to reduce their risk of becoming a victim of crime.

It will run alongside a major campaign raising awareness of the risks of theft and providing vital crime prevention advice to help residents better protect their property. This will include leaflet drops in hotspot crime areas.

Other proactive work will be undertaken by volunteer police cadets and the force will link the scheme to existing operations including Operation Hawkeye which is aimed at defeating opportunistic thieves to spread the safety message.

Data shows residential burglaries and car crimes typically peak during the winter months and recent figures show these crimes are already increasing.

Officers are taking a problem-solving approach to issues, working with partners to reduce opportunities for criminals and roll out crime prevention initiatives.

The force held a Winter Nights initiative between December 2023 and March 2024 during which properties in hotspot areas received advice leaflets. The most vulnerable properties were provided with crime prevention equipment.

The campaign was a resounding success and helped to increase reassurance among residents and confidence in the work of the police to tackle these crimes.  

Commissioner Allen said: “We know criminals seek opportunity. The more we can do to limit the prospects of an easy win, the more likely our homes and property will remain safe.

“Any type of crime impacting the home or our personal property is a violation. It may take several years to recover from such an experience, and at the very least, increases fear. These simple devices can make a difference, and spare people the trauma and inconvenience of being a victim. For this reason alone, it is money well spent.

“Our officers work hard all year round to keep us safe and we can support their efforts by taking proactive action to reduce risk and make our communities stronger and more resilient.”

The crime prevention devices, which also include padlocks and signal defender bags, will be distributed by neighbourhood policing teams across the force area and members of the Roads Policing Unit.

The force will also partner with crime prevention charity Crimestoppers to deliver safety messages to the public.

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