Firefighters in Darlington have teamed up with police and council officials to crackdown on anti-social behaviour.
County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) is a key partner helping to support a three-year plan that focuses on early intervention to tackle crime and disorder, so the town remains a safe place to live and work.
The Darlington Community Safety Partnership (CSP) Plan for 2026-2029 will focus on areas including anti-social behaviour, drug and substance misuse, as well as supporting victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
The plan’s focus has also been shaped by Darlington residents who had the chance to share their views during a period consultation and community surveys.
Graeme Carr, Head of Community Risk Management at CDDFRS, said: “We are proud to support the Darlington Community Safety Plan (2026–2029).
“We remain fully committed to working alongside our partners to help create safer, stronger, and more resilient communities, both in Darlington and County Durham.
“Through effective partnership working, shared engagement and a collective commitment to improving outcomes for local people, we will continue to play an active role in delivering the plan's objectives.
“By working together, sharing expertise and aligning resources, we can address community safety challenges more effectively and ensure that Darlington remains a place where people feel safe, supported and connected.”
It comes as figures from CDDFRS show that the Service attended over 1,000 deliberate fires between January and June 2026.
This summer, crews have been working with partners and police to carry out walkabouts in hotspot areas for deliberate fires and carrying out talks in schools to educate young people about the risks.
Councillor Jim Garner, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for stronger communities, said: "This plan sets out a clear and ambitious vision for keeping Darlington safe over the next three years.
“By working closely with our partners and listening to the priorities of our communities, we are focusing on prevention, early intervention and tackling the root causes of crime and anti-social behaviour.
“Together, we are committed to building stronger and safer Darlington where everyone feels respected, protected and able to thrive.”
The plan can be read online here.
Caption: CDDFRS has teamed up with Darlington Borough Council and Durham Constabulary as part of a new partnership.
