Police ‘relentless’ in nine-day campaign
A dozen problem vehicles were seized and almost 30 homes are to face action over grotty gardens in a community campaign.
Durham Constabulary and partners ran a nineday programme across the Peterlee area as part of the ongoing Operation Relentless.
Backed by County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, Durham County Council, and Durham Agency Against Crime, it focuses on burglary, cannabis cultivation, handling of stolen goods and drug misuse.
Homes were searched under magistrates’ court warrants and action was taken on off-road bikes.
Inspector Lee Blakelock said: “With Operation Relentless, we’re putting a spotlight on those concerns and showing the public that we are listening, and we are doing what we can to put an end to activities that are a detriment to quality of life in the area.”
Seven arrests were made for failing to appear in court, with one man arrested for being unlawfully at large.
Ian Hoult, the council’s neighbourhood protection manager, said: “What’s really important is that this comes from the community up, and allows us to tackle low-level issues like dirty yards, gardens and graffiti, all the way up to drugs warrants.
“Working individually, the results aren’t the same as when we come together to tackle these issues shoulder to shoulder.”