On 31st January, 2013, PC Varley and his colleagues assisted me and my friends (we are all elderly ladies) to get through the blockage caused by a fallen tree at Maiden Castle, which ensured that we did not miss our train to London. They were all very helpful and kind and we cannot thank them enough for their assistance on the day. Thank you again.

In January 2013, I was the victim/witness of a theft from my vehicle. The OIC PC John Tyers was very diligent in his enquiries which eventually led to the arrest of the offender. He provided much needed support to me following such a stressful incident and kept me updated at all times. When the case was closed, PC Tyers was able to return some of my property which had been stolen: I could not have expected a better service and he is a credit to Durham Constabulary; thank you.

A Mr David McDonald from Gilesgate, Durham, was connected through to the front counter 20/3/13. He was calling to express his admiration of the good police work of two officers (believed to be 145 + 1607) who attended to his neighbour. Mr McDonald said he was aware his neighbour suffered from mental health problems and that the Police had attended with mental health workers to section him. He went on to say that his neighbour had become upset and uncooperative towards those present and the Police Officers called on him to see if his presence would help calm his neighbour. He said he witnessed the officers calming his neighbour down and persuading him to cooperate with the staff present including as to which items/articles he would be allowed to take with him into hospital. He said that the officers “moved his neighbour from being really upset to smiles”. McDonald further added that he had been a prison officer for many years and understood how difficult it can be dealing with people suffering with mental health problems and he recognised the tact and skills required to handle such sufferers and he described the officers as being “outstanding”. Mr McDonald had been asked to pass on the thanks from his neighbours son. On closing, Mr McDonald added that the officers also returned to make sure his neighbours car was locked and his milk in the fridge .

I wish to nominate the above officers for the assistance and excellent customer service that they have given when dealing with a situation of anti-social behaviour, harassment and verbal abuse from a small group of individuals where I live. They have listened to my concerns, provided support, guidance and reassurance.

I would like to nominate PC Bradley for a wow award to thank him for helping me when I was verbly attacked whilst shopping in Morrisons. Ian was off duty at the time and came to my recuce when an unknown man statred shouting in my face and verbally threatening me; if it wasnt for Ian Im unsure what could have happened! Once again thank you Ian

As a resident of Howden le Wear I would like to nominate PCSO Carey for a WOW award. When I moved to the village it had alot of problems with youth related ASB. This year the problem has dramaticaly reduced and there have been no fires to speak of. I put this down to PCSO Careys hard work, problem solving and working with local authorities, schools and residents to solve the issues. I am also a serving Police officer so apprieciate how much time and effort she must have put into this. Thanks to her work I think this past year the village has been a much better place to live and I think she deserves this award.

Re. incident Ref. No. DHM 11012013 0330 Pc Wilkinson attended to this incident when my vehicle was damaged in a car park in Peterlee . I had returned to my damaged car to find the offending driver had driven off leaving no details. Pc Wilkinson thoroughly investigated this matter for me, obtained CCTV identification of the other driver & kept me informed throughout his investigation. His visit to the other motorist has helped me to contact them and reach a very satisfactory conclusion re.repairs to my car.Excellent service from a very courteous & diligent PC. With my heartfelt thanks I am yours faithfully.

On 16th January 2013, I was totally lost in Durham because of failure of both my cellphone and my GPS. I was trying to find a friend of many years and was supposed to spend the night at his house. After driving aimlessly for 90 minutes and not being able to obtain informed directions from several citizens, I happened on a patrol car occupied by Allan Chance (Badge 2062).It was about 9:30 in the evening, as Mr Chance was parking to surveille a roadway. I stopped and explained to him my predicament. He kindly made some inquiries for me and then led me with his car to my friends residence. Throughout, I found Mr Chance entirely professional. Were it not for his responsiveness and knowledge of how to navigate such a situation, I would probably have spent a freezing night in Durham without finding my friend.I strongly commend Allan Chance to you. He is everything that the British police should be. He owed me absolutely nothing but was entirely helpful, understand, and, as I have indicated above, professional. He was quite no-nonsense in his fulfillment of his helpfulness to me, and his willingness to provide assistance was all the more appreciated.Additionally, I found Mr Chance jovial and yet straightforward. His personality and professionalism help to explain why Durham is so successful in attracting tourists. The economy of Durham, as well as the everyday business of catching crooks, depends on Constabulary members such as Allan Chance. Besides, his uniform was impeccable. Thats why I noticed the badge number, 2062.If you have have any questions, you are welcome to communicate with me. Please consider Mr Chance for a WOW award. I really am grateful to him, a deserving individual.

On Sunday 24th February 2013 around 9 30 pm PC 230 Tracey Hill and PC 110 Gary Barnes attended the sudden death of my mother. Both officers were compassionate but I would like to nominate PC Hill for the WOW award. This police officer went above and beyond her duty. She showed compassion and sensitivity in assisting both myself and my sister in cleaning up our mam immediately after her death. She also helped us to put clean clothes on her before the undertaker came. This allowed us to feel mam had retained her dignity. We were so grateful to PC Hill, truly an outstanding caring officer who went that extra mile for us. She is an asset to your force deserving recognition for this act of human kindness.

I would like to nominate PCSO 6846 Vanessa Gray as she has served our community in Lanchester for almost 5 years and is now being moved on to Moorside- Castleside area . We are very sorry to see her go as she has done an excellent job for our village being pro-active against anti social behaviour. The crime statistics for Lanchester for last year are because of her efforts. Vanessa would do what she could to solve any problems in the village and to this end we would like to thank her for all the hard work.