New bid to tackle city's late night noise issues
Police in Durham, council bosses and university leaders have launched a new bid to tackle late-night noise in the city.
Under the new process, anyonewishing to report ongoing anti-social noise out of hours at a property they believe to be student occupied can call the police non-emergency number, 101.
The complaint will then be referred to the University Security Community Response Team (CRT).
CRT members will initially take an ‘engage, explain, encourage’ approach - with the aim of preventing any further occurrences – but Durham County Council can issue a Community Protection Warning, a breach of which can lead to a Fixed Penalty Notice or, ultimately, prosecution.
Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen said: “This new procedure recognises the fact that tackling anti-social behaviour is everyone’s business and reflects the importance of adopting a problem solving partnership approach.
“I am sure local residents and councillors will be pleased to learn their voices and concerns have been heard loud and clear.
"I welcome this positive development that has been designed to improve residents’ quality of life and recognises the importance of engaging and educating students about noise nuisance.”
Jeremy Cook pro-vicechancellor at Durham University, said: “We encourage our students to be good citizens and considerate neighbours and the vast majority wish to be a positive part of the Durham community. However, where anti-social noise is a significant problem, we will support Durham County Council in pursuing cases, and taking any necessary actions.”