POLICE NEWS
TRIMDONS BEAT OFFICER UPDATE REPORT NOVEMBER 2006
Crime in the Trimdons remains low, however some of the offences that are being committed could be prevented. Durham Constabulary has launched Operation Darc to promote crime prevention throughout the winter months. The operation is being coordinated by PC Langthorne our local Crime Prevention Officer; below is information regarding the operation.
OPERATION DARC’
NOVEMBER 06 - FEBRUARY 07
Dwelling Burglary and Community Reassurance provide the themes for Operation Darc this year in Sedgefield Borough.
The Community Safety team will be holding crime prevention road shows in supermarkets and with community groups throughout the borough. The message is ‘A house in darkness is a vulnerable one’ Residents will be encouraged to use light timing devices to activate lighting in the home and ensure their home is secured at all times and never left in darkness.
The community safety team will continue to offer reassurance to the older members of the community, utilising the Help the Aged - Handy Van scheme, to provide essential free dwelling security.
In addition we will be co-ordinating leaflet drops in ‘hot spot’ areas.
If anyone wants any further advice regarding crime prevention please contact either myself or the Community Safety Team.
OPERATION TAKE AWAY
A reminder that anyone stopped by Police driving a vehicle or motorcycle without insurance or driving licence will have the vehicle seized on the spot. No warnings will be issued and the driver will go to court. Recently a youth was stopped by myself in Main Road, Trimdon Village riding a small scrambler type bike. The bike has been seized and will not be returned and he is to be dealt with at court. The person in question did not own the bike so the owner will also face Police action for allowing him to use the bike without insurance or a licence.
VEHICLE CRIME
After a recent increase in vehicle related crimes in the Trimdons, 3 arrests have been made. One male from the Trimdon Station area has been remanded in police custody for a number of offences, a male from Trimdon Village is currently on Police bail pending further enquiries. After enquiries with Hartlepool/Cleveland Police a third male has been arrested and charged with two offences and is awaiting sentencing. These arrests have been as result of members of the community coming forward with vital information that has resulted in these arrests.
MINI MOTOS AND QUAD BIKES
If any parents in the local area wish to purchase a mini moto, quad bike or petrol powered scooters for their children for Christmas please be aware of the legislation you should abide by to use them on the public roads and footpaths.
All persons who use any of these machines will require the following:
1. Full or third party insurance.
2. Wear a crash helmet.
3. The bike will require a MOT after three years.
4. No passengers will be carried
5. To use them on private land you need full permission of the landowner.
Some people who sell such bikes are not always quick to notify buyers of the legislation. The police, should they come across anyone in breach of the above legislation, have the power to seize the bike, and the rider and owner will face court action. The bike may be also destroyed. The legislation has been in place for some years now and is designed to enhance road safety; police will enforce the legislation when appropriate and I will not be issuing any warnings.
I hope this advice will be passed on in the community so we are not seen as spoiling anyone’s Christmas.
Thank you
Pc1636 Seymour
Trimdon Beat Officer | 
