Crime levels unchanged in Co Durham and Darlington despite rise in reported violence

Large falls in vehicle crime, burglaries and criminal damage have helped Durham Constabulary keep recorded crime at a similar level as the previous year, despite a significant number of historical sexual and physical assaults being logged.

This figure comes in the face of a significant number of historical sexual and physical assaults that are part of the ongoing Operation Seabrook investigation being included.

Operation Seabrook, the largest of its kind in the UK, includes the investigation looking into allegations of abuse at the former Medomsley Detention Centre.

While the rise in sexual offences is generally regarded as a sign more victims are prepared to come forward, report the crime and seek help from the authorities, police say the surge in this category, and also violent offences is largely due to changes in recording practices.

Last year a report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) into the integrity of crime recording found major variations across forces in terms of how certain offences were categorised.

The PCC Ron Hogg has said: “I would like to congratulate Durham Constabulary on an excellent year despite these challenging times.”