Calls for action over anti-social behaviour rise
LDRSA rise in anti-social behaviour across a town has prompted calls for better policing and community safety.
New figures from Darlington Borough Council covering the 12 months leading up to September 2025 show incidents rose from 1,379 to 1,821, a 32% increase.
Offences associated with youths, alcohol, off-road bikes, and nuisance in parks and play areas have increased significantly across the borough.
Councillor Jim Garner, cabinet member for stronger communities, said the rise in anti-social behaviour was happening around the country but "there are signs of it levelling off".
He said: "We actively encourage the public to report incidents of anti-social behaviour to both the police and civic enforcement so resources can be deployed effectively.
"The Darlington Community Safety Partnership (CSP) is already developing a new plan, with public consultation held during October and November."
Hotspot areas, including Lingfield, Bank Top, Eastbourne, Skerne Park and Middleton St George, saw a 47% increase in anti-social behaviour incidents.
The latest overall year-to-year crime figures slightly decreased by 1.8% to 5,292, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
'Out of control'
Conservative councillor Jonathan Dulston said the increase in anti-social behaviour was impacting his local community in Firthmoor.
"Anti-social behaviour is out of control and local people are paying the price," he said.
Dulston called on the Labour-led council to improve.
He said: "That's more intimidation, more vandalism, more fear and less action. Residents deserve safe streets, not excuses.
"They deserve visible policing, strong enforcement, and leaders who actually stand up for law-abiding families."
But council leaders disputed the criticism.
In December, a plan to tackle anti-social behaviour and make the town centre a safer place to visit was implemented.
Several safety measures, including extra foot patrols, have been introduced to prevent and tackle crime across the borough.
"While there has been an increase here, we are not alone," Garner said. "Many other areas, including County Durham, have seen similar increases but there have been signs of it levelling off and reducing in recent months."
The latest figures would be used to refresh the council's priorities in its Community Safety Partnership Plan, the local authority said.
