Barnard Castle Police

02/06/2026

A knife-wielding robber who was caught by police after an officer recognised his shoes from CCTV footage has been jailed.

Matthew Howe entered the BP garage in Barnard Castle shortly before midnight on Monday, March 30 where he threatened the assistant with a knife and demanded money.

Fearing they were going to be stabbed, the terrified assistant opened the till drawer and Howe helped himself to £270 and two bags of to***co.

He returned to the store a second time at around 9.25pm on Friday, April 3 where he again threatened an assistant with a knife, demanding they open the till.

When they refused, the 30-year-old held the knife towards the assistant’s ribcage and ordered him to open the till before stealing around £100.

Howe was arrested on April 5 after a police officer, who had seen CCTV footage of him from the robbery, spotted him in Barnard Castle wearing the same trainers.

He was brought into custody and officers searched his home, where items from the robbery were found.

Howe, of Cockfield, was charged with two counts of robbery, which he admitted.

He appeared at Durham Crown Court last Thursday (May 28) where he was jailed for three years and four months.

Temporary Detective Constable David Armstrong, from South Durham CID, said: “These were terrifying incidents for the shop assistants, who were simply at work doing their job when they were targeted by Howe.

“No-one should face violence or threats of violence while at work, so I am pleased Howe is now facing a jail term for his despicable actions.”

01/06/2026

Update- ROAD HAS BEEN REOPENED

Road Closure‼️‼️

Please note due to Emergency Services dealing with a Road Traffic Collision, the A67 between Whorlton Crossroads and Winston is closed, and will be for some time.

Please find an alternative route.

27/05/2026

On the 18th May 2026 two males have used a drone in the Barnard castle area and have committed an offence linked to HMP Deerbolt, they have then left the area in a grey Volkswagen golf, the offence occurred between 02:00 and 04:00 if anyone has been anything suspicious in the area or has any CCTV or video doorbell footage please can you send to [email protected]

21/05/2026

⛓️‍💥 Three in the cells.

More than 20 officers from neighbourhoods, Dog section, Motorbikes and CID, were involved in a targeted operation to clamp down on rural burglaries yesterday morning.

Three men, aged 19, 23 and 26 were all arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary after raids at addresses across Weardale and Teesdale uncovered two quads believed to be stolen. Officers also worked in partnership with Cumbria Constabulary tackling cross border offences and criminals.

These 3 arrests are just the start, with more expected to join them as a result of intense police work to target rural burglaries in recent months.

🗣️ Inspector Andy Reeves said: “We will not tolerate criminals who try to target our rural communities and will relentlessly pursue all who think they can commit crime on our patch.

“We will continue to carry out these targeted operations and I want to thank Rurali members for their continued support.”

21/05/2026

UPDATE: The road has now reopened, thank you for your patience.

A road closure has been put in place on the B6277 between the A66 and Barnard Castle in both directions.

We will update you as soon as we can.

19/05/2026

🐴 Operation Close Pass

Operation Close Pass is a nationwide campaign aimed at raising awareness among drivers and other road users about how to safely pass horses on the road. The initiative focuses on monitoring driving behaviour and educating motorists who fail to maintain the recommended speed and distance when overtaking horses and riders.

It’s simple: pass wide and slow.

⚠️ Reduce your speed to no more than 10mph when passing.
⚠️ Allow at least 2 metres of space.
⚠️ If you are unsure, wait and follow the rider’s signals.

Officers recently joined members of Barnard Castle and Teesdale Riding Club as they rode through Teesdale on Saturday morning, carrying out Operation Close Pass. The initiative is supported by the Durham Police and Crime Commissioner.

During the operation, all observed drivers demonstrated patience and passed correctly. This was a significant confidence boost, particularly for some of the younger riders as the warmer weather approaches.

🗣️ Road Policing Casualty Reduction Sergeant Sarah Manser who organised this operation said “In rural areas like County Durham and Darlington, many horse riders share the roads. Drivers should give plenty of space, slow down, and pass quietly, then accelerate gently once clear”.

“Even the calmest horses can react unexpectedly, so following guidance protects riders, drivers, and passengers. Collisions involving horses can have serious consequences”.

📸 Road users who use dash or helmet cams are also being encouraged to submit footage to the force’s Operation Snap if they witness dangerous driving. If you have dash cam or any other type of footage which clearly shows the offence with the vehicle registration, upload it here 🔗 https://www.durham.police.uk/police-forces/durham-constabulary/areas/campaigns/campaigns/operation-snap/

13/05/2026

💚 Check in on your mates.

Starting a conversation about mental health isn’t always easy, but you are not alone.

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and we’re raising awareness of some key helplines that you or someone you know, may need.

💚 Remember, your feelings are valid.

Call NHS 111 and press option 2 for 24/7 support from trained mental health professionals. They’ll listen, offer advice, and connect you to the right local service – whether it’s self-care help, crisis support, or something more.

Need extra support, these services can help 👇

Samaritans: 116 123
Text SHOUT to 85258
Mind: 0845 766 0163
If you’re under 25, you can call The Mix on 0808 808 4994
Andys Man Club
Space North East
www.nhs.uk/mental-health

In an emergency dial 999.

10/05/2026

PACT Reminder- Your Beat officers will be at the Staindrop Police Station today between 4pm-5pm to answer any questions or concerns you have.
You can also contact us for non-emergency issues via the messenger app, pop into the station on Wilson Street, or drop the beat team an email with your concern- [email protected]

06/05/2026

Reminder PACT Meeting at 10:30 today at Barnard Castle QUAD Station, Wilson Street. If you cannot attend, you can always send us a private message or email: [email protected]

05/05/2026

UPDATE: Thank you to those who shared our appeal and aissted us with information to find Peter, he has now been arrested.

⚠️WANTED: Have you seen Peter Hutchinson?

Officers want to speak with the 35-year-old in connection with a number of theft offences in Barnard Castle.

Peter who also goes by the name Pedro, has recent links to Barnard Castle and Darlington.

If you have any information regarding Peter’s location either email [email protected] or call 101 quoting reference CRI00677806, alternatively you can call Crimestoppers annoymously on 0800 555 111.