RESIDENTS, businesses and victims of crime have more opportunities to access services and support, than in previous years, in a report published today. The development of a new Victim Care and Advice Service across County Durham and Darlington, a new Live Link system for victims to give evidence by video in court, without being face to face with the perpetrator, and a new Community Peer Mentors Project are just some of the initiatives of the last financial year. In the latest Annual Report for 2015-16 published by Ron Hogg, the Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner (PCVC) for County Durham and Darlington, Ron encourages victims of crime or anti-social behaviour to seek the support available to them. Ron said: “It was a really successful year for instance implementing new services for victims and the vulnerable and improving engagement with communities. I have worked closely with partners and I would like to thank them for the tremendous effort they have put into helping improving the lives of our residents. “Support has been made available for those suffering from long-term neighbour disputes or anti-social behaviour, vulnerable people can seek help from isolation and victims of crime can get support from the recently commissioned Victim Care and Advice Service. “My annual report also provides information about how I have spent my budget, including the £150,000 I awarded, jointly with County Durham Community Foundation, to local projects. These projects included services to young people, victims and offenders. “I am also working with partners and the business community across the region to help businesses to stay protected from threats such as cyber crime.” Another successful initiative last year aimed at reducing reoffending in the community is the voluntary adult offender scheme Checkpoint, which has seen a 90 per cent success rate in its first phase. “This scheme targets low and medium level offenders at the earliest stage of the criminal justice process” said Ron. “As well as offering them an alternative to prosecution and giving them the opportunity to turn their lives around, this scheme also helps reduce the number of future victims of crime throughout County Durham and Darlington.” To view Ron’s Annual Report, and find out more about how you can access the services available visit: www.durhampcc.gov.uk.