Weardale Police

28/08/2026

🚔 WOLSINGHAM SHOW – COME AND SEE US! 🐄🌾

The Crook Neighbourhood Policing Team will be attending Wolsingham Show on Saturday 5th September and Sunday 6th September, between 9am and 5pm.

👮‍♀️👮‍♂️ Come along and say hello to the team! We’ll be there with a range of crime prevention and safeguarding advice, including:

🔐 SelectaDNA kits for farmers
We’ll be handing out SelectaDNA equipment to eligible farmers across the Weardale and Teesdale areas, helping to protect valuable property and equipment.

To receive a kit, please bring:
✅ Driving licence as a form of suitable photographic ID
✅ Proof of address

🏡 Safer Homes equipment
We’ll also have Safer Homes equipment available to demonstrate some of the crime prevention measures and products that can be accessed through our local police stations.

💙 Dementia wristbands
We’ll have information about dementia wristbands, which can be provided to vulnerable members of our community following submission of a Herbert Protocol.

📅 We’ll also be attending:

🐑 Stanhope Show-
Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th September 2026
Times to be confirmed

🐴 Egglestone Show-
Saturday 19th September 2026
Times to be confirmed

We’re looking forward to meeting members of our rural communities, answering your questions and sharing advice on how you can help keep yourselves, your homes and your property safe.
Come along, have a chat and say hello! 👋

27/08/2026

Technology that has been instrumental in catching domestic abusers is set to be piloted in a project to combat rural crime.

Durham Constabulary has used SelectaDNA forensic tagging products since 2024 to help those at risk of domestic abuse.

The marking equipment has been so effective it is now being deployed across some of the force’s rural communities to protect properties against theft and burglary.

It uses synthetic DNA and microscopic dots to permanently mark valuables, equipment, and tools.

The kits, which will be registered and issued to all farmers in the Teesdale, Crook, and Weardale areas initially, will be uniquely coded to each owner, allowing them to mark up to 50 products.

These are registered to a specific database which allows officers to identify and reunite an item if stolen.

The project is led by the force’s rural lead, Inspector Andy Reeves.

💬 He said: “We have seen how well SelectaDNA has worked in both prevention and solving crime within our work to protect women and girls, so we are really pleased to be able to pilot the technology in our rural communities.

“We already have a strong network through our Rurali operation, but this will add another tool in our arsenal against criminals who try to target our farmers, who can be hit hard when their property is stolen.

“We are hopeful this will be a good deterrent but also allow our officers to routinely check for SelectaDNA during traffic stops to reunite property that is stolen with their rightful owners faster and more efficiently.”

Funding for the kits has generously been provided by several donors including Durham Police and Crime Commissioner, Joy Allen; Councillor Grants of Councillors Richard Bell, Jillian Campbell, Jasmine Fox, Robert Potts, Chris Foote-Wood and Anita Savory, administered by Durham County Council’s Teesdale and Crook and Weardale Local Networks; the Crook North and Tow Law Pride in Place Board and Wolsingham Show.

The rollout will officially begin in September, with launch events at Wolsingham, Stanhope, and Eggleston Agricultural Shows as well as local marts. Focus days will also be held to encourage eligible farmers to claim their kit if needed.

If successful, it is hoped the kits can be provided to all farmers in the force area, of which there are more than 1,850.

To claim a kit, farmers will need to provide proof they reside/own a farm in the Teesdale or Weardale area with a driving licence or utility bill.

Read more 👉 https://www.durham.police.uk/news/durham/news2/2026/08.-august/forensic-marking-spray-issued-to-farmers-to-combat-rural-crime/

10/07/2026

🚔 Weardale Police Update 🚔

It’s been another busy week for the Weardale Neighbourhood Team! Here's what we've been up to across the Dales 👇

🎪 Stanhope Barrington’s Summer Fayre PCSOs Lowther and Robson attended the Summer Fayre today. It was fantastic to meet so many members of our community and chat with residents throughout the day. The Riot Van proved very popular with visitors of all ages 🚓😄 And we're pleased to report it wasn't needed thanks to everyone's excellent behaviour! 👍

🚗 Community Speedwatch Our dedicated Community Speedwatch volunteers have been out and about across the Dales this week.

📊 So far in July: ✅ 208 vehicles monitored ⚠️ 3 warning letters issued 🏡 2 of those vehicles were registered locally within the Weardale area

We're also pleased to announce that a new Speedwatch location in Frosterley has been assessed, with deployments planned in the near future.

☕ Frosterley Village Hall Coffee Morning PCSOs Lowther and Walton have continued attending the popular coffee morning at Frosterley Village Hall. 📅 Every Thursday ⏰ 10:00am – 12:00pm

Everyone is welcome, so please come along for a chat and a brew! 😊

👮 Targeted Patrols PCSOs Lowther and Walton have been carrying out targeted patrols throughout Weardale. If you see anything suspicious, please report it by calling 101 📞.

🐑 During one of these patrols, they also came to the rescue of a sheep that had become stuck on a fence in the Groverake Mine area!

🧩 Herbert Protocol PCSO Lowther recently completed a Herbert Protocol for a member of our community.

The Herbert Protocol helps carers, family members and friends record important information about vulnerable adults who may be at risk of going missing. This information can then be accessed quickly by police if needed.

If you are concerned about someone who may be at risk of going missing:

📧 [email protected] 📞 Or contact us via 101

Anyone can make a referral.

🎓 Neighbourhood Policing Programme Congratulations to PCSO Cusick, who has recently completed his Neighbourhood Policing Programme training, further strengthening the support we provide to our communities 👏

🔐 Crime Prevention Advice PCSO Cusick also carried out a letter drop in the Westfield and Cromer Lea areas of Frosterley following recent shed and attempted vehicle crimes.

🚗 Always remember to lock your vehicle and remove valuables from sight. 🛡️ Target hardening equipment is available from the neighbourhood team if required.

30/06/2026

🚔 Appeal for Information – Vehicle Crime 🚔

Weardale Police are appealing for information following an incident in which a vehicle was damaged and items were stolen from inside while parked overnight.

The blue Suzuki was parked on the A689 near Wolsingham Showfield between 9:00pm on Tuesday 23 June and 9:00am on Wednesday 24 June. During this time, the vehicle was damaged and items such as tools were taken from within.

If you witnessed anything suspicious in the area during this period, or have any information that could assist our investigation, please contact Community Safety Responder 8834 Tom Lowther at [email protected], quoting CRI00689861.

Any information, no matter how small it may seem, could prove valuable. Thank you for your assistance.

21/06/2026

Happy Father’s Day 💙

Happy Father’s Day 💙

To all dads, step-dads, foster dads, grandads, great-grandads, dads-to-be, and those no longer with us, we wish you a happy Father’s Day.

Being a police officer is a rewarding job, but being a Dad is a role like no other.

To all our blue light dads working today, thank you. We appreciate everything you do, both on duty and at home.

19/06/2026

🚓 Weardale Police Update 🚓

It’s been another busy week across the Dales! Here's a round-up of what we've been up to so far 👇

✅ Operation Checkpoint
Earlier this month, Weardale Police, alongside officers from Crook NPT and our dedicated Special Constables, carried out high-visibility patrols in hotspot areas across the Dales. 👮‍♂️👮‍♀️

✅ Operation Drive
Working with our Police Cadets, officers carried out a letter drop in the Wolsingham area to raise awareness around the use of off-road bikes and related concerns. 🏍️📬

✅ Off-Road Bike Seized
CSRs Lowther and Walton, with support from DCC Neighbourhood Wardens, seized an off-road bike with no insurance, tax or MOT in the Frosterley area. 🚔

✅ Community Speedwatch
Our fantastic volunteers have continued their Speedwatch activity across Weardale. So far this month:
🚗 511 vehicles monitored
⚠️ 15 speeding vehicles identified
📨 Warning letters have been issued

We've also listened to feedback from our communities, resulting in:
📍 3 new Speedwatch locations in Wolsingham
📍 1 new location in Cowshill

✅ Cows on the Loose! 🐄
CSRs Lowther and Walton responded to reports of cows on the road in Wolsingham. The owner was quickly identified, and the herd was safely mooooved back into their field.🐄

✅ Supporting Vulnerable People & Road Safety
PC Graham and PC Blakelock attended a road traffic collision in Wolsingham, assisting our Roads Policing Units. They also responded to concerns for a vulnerable person, with the appropriate safeguarding referrals made.

✅ Missing Person Search
CSRs Lowther and Walton assisted in the search for a missing person in the Upper Dales, covering over 140 miles. We are pleased to report the person was located safe and well.

✅ Drugs Seized
PCs Graham and Blakelock seized drugs from an individual during proactive policing activity. Investigations remain ongoing. 🚔

If you see something that looks suspicious please call 101, or 999 in an emergency 📱

17/06/2026

⚽️ We want positive results on the pitch, not off it.
🚗 Drink and drug driving kills. Don’t risk it!

⚽️Tonight’s the night!

For all you England fans, we know you’ll be gearing up for the excitement of the first England game.

Some of you will enjoy the game, have a great time and get home safely.

Some of you will get too drunk, take illegal drugs (or both) and put yourself or someone you love in the morgue after wrongly thinking you’re fine to drive.

We’re not being dramatic; this is the reality our officers see with a 20.9 per cent spike in road traffic collisions on England match days from 2016 to 2024.

That’s why we’ve launched a specific road safety campaign for this world cup.

Teaming up with our emergency service partners last week, we invited media outlets a road traffic collision demonstration.

They were able to see someone being cut out of a crashed car and bring it to your teatime screens on BBC Look North.

What they didn’t see are the death knocks our officers have to make when the people in the car can’t be saved.

Or when the driver is in court, then prison, for killing their mates.
All because they thought it was fine to drive under the influence or couldn’t be bothered to book a taxi.

We don’t want to see you sent off permanently before you can even say penalties.

🚗Drink and drug driving kills. Don’t risk it.

County Durham & Darlington Fire & Rescue Service North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service Durham Roads & Armed Policing

05/06/2026

The communities of Weardale may already be aware of the Community Safety Responder (CSR) role a unique and demanding dual-role position in which individuals serve as both Police Community Support Officers and Firefighters, providing Police and Fire Service cover to the Dales. Historically, the role also incorporated the North East Ambulance Service, operating as a Tri-Responder.

Weardale is currently served by two CSRs: Tom Lowther and Chris Walton.

Following a recent decision, we are saddened to announce that the CSR role is being made redundant, with the final working day set for 30th June.

Since its introduction in 2015, the CSR role has been a pioneering joint venture between Durham Constabulary and County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service. It has supported local communities by providing visible reassurance, engaging with residents, assisting with community safety initiatives, and responding to emergency incidents across Weardale and beyond.

As the role comes to an end, the responsibilities currently carried out by CSRs will be absorbed into existing policing and fire service structures.

CSR Tom Lowther said:
“It has been an absolute privilege to work with and support the communities of Weardale and the wider County Durham area over the past two and a half years. Speaking with colleagues who have held this position before me, many describe it as the best job in the force and I completely agree.

It has also been the most challenging role I have ever undertaken, and I am incredibly proud of what it has achieved over the past 11 years, we are grateful to have been part of it. Chris and I would both like to thank Durham Constabulary and County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service for the opportunity to serve in such a complex and rewarding role.”

Both CSRs will be redeployed internally elsewhere within the force.

To mark the end of the role, we have revisited the archives and included photographs capturing moments from throughout the years.

Thank you for your support.
Tom and Chris

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.”

18/05/2026

🚨 Weardale Police Update 🚓

Following on from recent thefts in Wolsingham, officers have been out completing letter drops for insecure vehicles in the area. Always lock your vehicle and keep items out of view. 🚗🛻
If you see anything suspicious overnight, please call 101 to report or dial 999 if a crime is actively being committed. 📱

PC Graham and PCSO Whitby have been continuing their studies, by completing modules for both Plant Equipment and Livestock Handling to help better identify and target crimes in those areas. 🚜🐑🐄

The team seized a White Mitsubishi Outlander after it gained entry to fields causing damage and allowing livestock to escape. 🚔

Another vehicle was seized from Frosterley after being used in crime in another force area. ⛓️

Our Community Speedwatch Volunteers have been out in Weardale, so far this month 676 vehicles have been observed and a total of 40 warning letters have been sent. 📸📨

Dual role Police/Fire Community Safety Responders Lowther and Walton have been completing Home Fire Safety Visits in the Weardale area. If you live in County Durham and would like a visit for free smoke alarms you can complete the form at https://www.safelincs.co.uk/hfsc/?ref=DDFRS and you can request a visit from your local Fire Station if required 🚒👨‍🚒