Durham County Council is determined to stamp out organised crime

The Safer and Stronger Communities Committee has reviewed the county's handling of organised crime

They've found a greater emphasis needs to be on the public having the confidence to report issues to the police

The report found that there are strong partnership arrangements in place across the county to tackle organised crime and highlighted how local efforts to fight this kind of crime are considered to be setting the standard nationally.

The report concludes that helping partners and communities to recognise organised crime and encouraging them to report it is vital in helping the police to tackle it.  

Cllr David Boyes, chairman of the scrutiny committee, said:

"Organised crime is a real threat that can have a detrimental and devastating effect upon people, communities, business and organisations.

"It is therefore important that we are alert to this risk and that law enforcement agencies are prepared with effective processes to pursue organised crime groups and help prevent and protect us all from organised crime.

"Equally important though is that local communities are actively involved in identifying and helping to combat organised crime.

"Carrying out this review has most certainly raised awareness to the risk and impact of organised crime within our communities and confidence that this is being robustly tackled in County Durham."

Anyone with information about organised crime in their area is urged to ring the police on 101.

Alternatively, if you prefer, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on or via their website at www.crimestoppers-uk.org