An update from Durham Police and Crime Commissioner, Joy Allen
BRIEFING – May - June 2026
Delivering on Your Priorities
Safer Communities. Stronger Action. Real Results.
People across County Durham and Darlington have been clear about what matters most to them:
Visible neighbourhood policing
Tackling anti-social behaviour
Supporting victims
Preventing crime and exploitation
Safer roads and communities
As your Police and Crime Commissioner, my job is to turn those priorities into action.
This newsletter highlights just some of the work taking place across our communities to deliver on my Police, Crime and Justice Plan, investing in victims’ services, tackling organised crime, supporting young people, strengthening neighbourhood policing and fighting to save lives on our roads.
Because safer communities do not happen by accident. They happen through strong partnerships, early intervention, visible policing and relentless action against those who cause harm.
Putting Victims First
More support for families impacted by child to parent abuse
I have agreed fresh funding alongside partners to sustain the work of a vital service working with young people and their parents and carers to tackle child to parent violence.
Up to 120 children and young people and their families stand to benefit from specialist support following approval by the County Durham and Darlington Serious Violence Prevention Partnership to invest funding worth £47,510 to expand the delivery of the Respect Young People’s Programme (RYPP) across the force area, alongside two new additional Child and Adolescent to Parent Violence and Abuse (CAPVA) Ambassadors
Educational workshops and a live theatre production for pupils have been delivered in local schools to warn of the consequences of taking illicit drugs.
I joint-funded a major new pilot led by drugs education charity Daniel Spargo Mabbs Foundation to help parents and carers confidently manage conversations around drug harm with their children and deliver awareness sessions targeted at pupils, closing a critical gap in drug education provision for young people. Every conversation, every warning we share, every young person we reach, could stop another young live being stolen by drugs.
Huge strides are being made to crackdown on street violence and sexual offences in Darlington thanks to joint problem-solving.
Latest figures from the force on behalf of Darlington Community Safety Partnership covering October to December 2025 reveal overall crime in the town fell 6.6% compared to last year, with sweeping reductions also reported for violent crime (-10.8%) possession of weapons offences (-58.3%), sexual offences (-14.3%), Fly-tipping (-37.6%) and street begging (-67.2%).
More than 50 anti-social vehicles have been taken off our roads along with 1,250 uninsured vehicles and 138 unlicensed drivers.
The figures were revealed by the force at my latest Public Accountability Meeting focusing on police visibility and the excellent work underway to keep our communities safe.
New fast-track reporting tool for shopkeepers and customers
I’ve funded 2,000 new stickers containing a QR code that allows shopkeepers, businesses and shoppers to report ASB instantly via their smart phone.
The idea was coined by a young police cadet called Jacob who came up with the concept while carrying out a leaflet drop in Darlington to raise awareness of ASB and where victims can access support. Our cadets are helping officers and partners as part of Operation Trailblazer which has seen thousands of hours of extra enforcement and visibility patrols taking place across 34 ‘hotspot’ locations.
I recently signed a new anti-racism pledge vowing to stand in solidarity with partners in challenging racism and religious hatred across Durham.
The North East Anti-Racism Coalition’s (NEARC) ‘Become the Bridge’ campaign
calls on North East organisations to take meaningful action to challenge racism within their operations and systems, and to foster a workplace culture where people stand together and act consistently to reject racial prejudice.
I am fully supporting the British Horse Society’s Dead Slow campaign, reminding motorists to take simple actions to protect horses and riders on our roads.
We know that only around 10% of road incidents are ever reported, meaning many dangerous behaviours go unseen and unchallenged. Simple actions from drivers – slowing down, giving plenty of space, and being patient – can save lives and prevent serious injuries.
Operation Takeover continues to prevent avoidable tragedies
Officers from the Roads and Armed Policing Unit carried out Operation Take Off at Teeside International Airport, stopping drivers returning from holiday and getting behind the wheel and making them think twice about driving under the influence.
The operation was launched following the devastating loss of baby Zackary Blades and his aunt Karlene Warner, who were killed on their way home from Newcastle International Airport in May 2024.
Twenty serving police officers and staff are taking on the gruelling Three Peaks Challenge to raise awareness of road safety.
My office is proudly contributing towards the epic climb which will take place over 18th and 19th June with the double aim of boosting awareness of the devastating impact of road deaths and serious injuries and raising money for 4Louis which specialise in supporting people affected by miscarriage, stillbirth and the death of a baby or child.
Organised crime groups bring violence, exploitation and drugs into communities and we are taking to combat it.
During County Lines Intensification Week:
18 arrests were made
More than £100,000 in criminal cash was seized
Every arrest, seizure and disruption helps protect vulnerable people and prevent further harm.
We will continue to relentlessly pursue those who profit from exploitation and criminality. to ensure our communities have a strong voice at the table.
Leading Change Nationally
Alongside delivering locally, I continue to champion the issues that matter most to our communities at a national level.
This includes:
Leading national work on roads policing and road safety reform
Campaigning for stronger action on addiction, substance misuse and gambling-related harm
Supporting prevention and early intervention approaches to drug-related crime
Influencing national discussions on police funding and reform to ensure communities receive the service they deserve
National decisions have real local consequences and I will continue ensuring the voice of County Durham and Darlington is heard strongly at the national table.
Strengthening our local voice to tackle anti-social behaviour
With the launch of my Public Accountability Consultation on anti-social behaviour, I’ve introduced a local opportunity for residents to help shape how I hold the force to account. This is your chance to influence how concerns are addressed and ensure your voice is heard.
