I would like to Nominate PC Andrew Bustin to receive a Wow Award. After a spate of vandalism against our business property, the young culprits were caught. Andy contacted us with the news and asked to discuss options further. Andy mentioned the restorative justice programme and we agreed this would be beneficial to both parties. Andys commitment to the youths involved and the efforts he went to try and arrange dates, personnel etc deserve recognition. His discussions and actions towards these children in showing them the results of their actions and offering them the time to rectify, were highly commendable. It was a pleasure to see a police officer go to these extraordinary lengths to help these children amend their ways. A very big well done from all at The Pet Crematorium Ltd.

I cannot praise PC Quarmby highly enough. I had been trying for about 4 weeks to get in touch with with my 87 year old brother who lived alone in Port Arlington, Australia. I do keep in touch on a regular basis and was becoming increasingly frantic and didnt know what to do. I decided to go to my local police station and asked if it was possible to find out where he was. PC Quarmby got in touch with Port Arlington Police and explained the situation and with their combined efforts managed to locate my brother who had been moved into a nursing home. Thanks to all their hard work, I was able to speak to my brother. I cannot thank PC Quarmby enough. She is a helpful and truly dedicated officer. I really feel as though Ive found a friend.

We suffered a shed burglary on August 14th 2012 where my wife disturbed the thief about 2am.Within minutes the officers from Darlington were on scene, the dog section arrived & recovered the stolen property & the police helicopter was also involved. The service we received was outstanding from all involved. The next morning the CSI was there by 9am and recovered some fingerprints. We were delighted by the response we received from all involved within Durham Constabulary. The reassurance we received from the attending officers was second to none. PC 2449 Paula Ruck, PC 2406 Simon Hopper, PC 1860 Jane Muir, PC 1729 Michael Nesbitt, PC 2624 Annabelle George, Insp Ian Blakemore, PC 1940 Catherine Davidson and Mr Christopher Mackintosh

Walking back to my car after the 20/20 match between England and South Africa at Chester Le Street on the 8th September my grandson aged 13 picked up a £50 note from the car park surface. With very little persuasion we agreed that he should hand it in to a policeman and we made our way back to the gate immediately behind the fitness center where we found a PC who with tremendous good grace took Zachary to one side and smilingly took his details. He was most impressed and I think surprised. Like an idiot I did not take her number and many of his friends and his sisters told him that he would hear no more,even if the note was not claimed, He phoned me last eveing to say that, on getting home from school he found a letter addressed to him from Durham Constabluary to say that the note was now his. That PC has won over a 13 year old who is telling all his friends at school what has happened. Of course she was only doing her job, and to my generation the outcome was as I would expect but her approach and the speed with which he received his letter has impressed me and wowed him. I do hope that you can track her down and if nothing else thank her from us both

I would like to nominate PCSO Neil Wilkinson for a WOW award for the service and help given to my wife and myself during a very testing time for us due to anti-social behavior of a neighbour.

During July and August, we experienced significant problems with anti-social behaviour from neighbours in our street.We attended PACT meetings and PCSO Richard Scott took charge of the situation. He provided regular weekly updates and maintained contact with us, providing support and reassurance. Our situation was finally resolved when the neighbours moved out of our street. Sincwe that date, Richard has still been in contact with us and more recently, has been very helpful and supportive with another situation that has arisen. We appreciate Richards hard work and support.

Me and my son wish to nominate PCSO David Gibson. We want to do this because he is very supportive with all the trouble we have and comes round on a regular basis to keep us up to date with all the developments that he has made.

Sergeant McGregor responded to an urgent call for help from Mr Cook, a County Court Bailiff working out of Durham County Court. Sgt McGregor attended a property in Sacriston on 13th September 2012 together with other officers, to assist with an eviction. Their rapid response and assistance with the situation prevented the matter escalating which would have placed the Bailiff in danger.

PC Graham responded to an urgent call for help from Mr Cook, a County Court Bailiff working out of Durham County Court. PC Graham, together with another officer, attended a property in Chester le Street, to assist with an eviction. Their rapid response and assistance prevented the matter escalating which would have placed the Bailiff in danger.

PC Brown responded to an urgent call for help from Mr Cook, a County Court Bailiff working out of Durham County Court. He attended a dwelling house with another officer to assist with an eviction. Their rapid response and assistance prevented the matter escalating which would have placed the Bailiff in danger.

Following an RTA we were involved in on Friday night Danny Fisher attended and was very kind, patient and understanding. However we feel that he showed exceptional service with regards to our 9 year old son who has autism. He quickly recognised the situation and communicated with him on a level he could understand, taking time to talk to him about being a police officer and answer all of his (very many) questions- even the bizarre ones. Despite losing his weekend break Olly was excited about his experience after Danny turned it into a more positive situation for him. All the while Danny continued to do his job liasing with your departments and our insurers. A very big thanks Danny!!!

I would like to nominate PCSO 7242 Michael Craine for a WOW award in recognition of his recent unstinting efforts and highly professional conduct in resolving serious issues brought about by a highly unstable, aggressive, intimidating and noisy neighbour. PCSO 7242 Micheal Craine, through constant and diligent attention to the matter and communication with the Landlord managed, after some months, to have evicted. Throughout the course of many disturbing events suffered by neighbors on both sides o PCSO 7242 Micheal Craine made himself and all possible resources available to us at all times, including daily drive-byes of Police vehicles, as well as making sure that following shifts at the Police Station were fully appraised of any possible quick reaction situations as they arose. This along with PCSO 7242 Micheal Craines constant telephone contact with myself and the other neighbours in which he reassured us of our protection and addressing any concerns in a polite, understanding and kind manner was both exceptionally professional and highly appreciated all round. In conclusion, PCSO Craine showed a highly efficient and professional aptitude for his position within the Police Force with a real concern for the welfare of all those concerned and we are all highly appreciative of PCSO Craines abilities and efforts which we feel are extremely worthy of recognition . And so we ask that PCSO 7242 Micheal Craine is awarded a WOW award in appreciation.

We are visiting from Dallas, Texas and had thought that Edmundbyers was a street in Consett. We searched the town and ended up at the library in search of help. As three charming librarians were trying to draw us a map, Officers Rogers and Egan came in and with a broad and welcoming smile said that they had come to take us to our destination. Apparently someone had alerted them that there were two clueless tourists wandering about town and so they came to find us. They pulled out ahead of us and so with police escort we were taken across the moors to the Punch Bowl Inn where we were to stay. This story has already gone halfway around the world with family in Cape Town, South Africa, Atlanta, Georgia and Dallas, Texas all saying WOW that really is service for you. We had been told to expect friendly people when we came up north in search of family roots. Officers Rogers and Egan exemplified that to perfection. Their broad smiles, warm and welcoming attitude, and their willingness to go the extra mile for us surely makes them prime candidates for a WOW award. We are deeply grateful to them for rescuing us.

Nomination submitted on behalf of Mrs Lee.I recently parked in a street (which was not a private road and had no yellow lines) and and went shopping. When I returned, I was confronted by an angry and threatening householder who was furious that I had parked in front of her home. very fearful, I contacted the Police who dealt with the incident with kindness, understanding and in a reassuring manner. I felt her attitude was was very professional and sympathetic. She was able to diffuse the situation and really listened. She made me feel that this was not a trivial matter and would be taken seriously.

Nomination submitted on behalf of Mr Armstrong.I was recently rushing to an appointment and left my keys in the lock of the boot. Fortunately for me, PCSO Carole Hutton saw them and left a note on my windscreen advising that the keys could be collected from my local police station.

Nomination submitted on behalf of Mr Scott.DC Neil Thompson recently investigated a burglary at our home. During the investigation, he made us feel secure by providing support and sympathy and communicating regarding the progress of the investigation. He went that one step further by providing advice on how to prevent a repetition of a similar crime.

I am the creator of a local motorcycle forum and was so impressed to see PCs Fisher and Bowman turn up at our meeting place and promote bikewise and give advice and tips to the group. So much so that I have noticed some of the group have posted in the bikewise guestbook. Since the retirement of our local Police Sergeant, we feel isolated and also tend not to got to north yorkshire area due to its heavy handed policing. We do however frequent the Dales and have formed links with bikewise. However these 2 officers went the extra mile that night turning up with 2 vehicles one a motorcycle and in weather that we would not ride in. They spoke to us which forged links and allowed some great photo opportunities; we all had a good night and they just joined in with some mickey taking aimed at them and kept slipping in little bits of advice and safety snipets. We all had a great time and it is so nice in times of austerity for a police force to still do sterling jobs of being community ambassadors

Many thanks to the officers for getting me my taxi fare (£23.00) back from a "runner". A small task but any thing that disrupts and dis-empowers petty criminals may have a big effect latter. Yours sincerelyAlan Clark Durham Taxi Hack 137

Nominated on behalf of Julie A at Fred Henderson. I wish to nominate PC Andy Parker and CSI Ian Rose for their investigation into an incident at our show room in Langley Moor. A car came off the road, mounted the pavement, crashed through a barrier and landed on top of four of our cars which were on the garage forecourt. The driver then fled the scene. PC Parker and CSI Rose were determined in their efforts to track down the person responsible and when we really thought that all was lost, we were informed that the driver had been apprehended. A receipt had been found in the car which was used to track the driver to a shop where he had made a purchase and using the CCTV officers were able to identify him.

I work at the Youth Village near Allensford. From 25th - 29th June 2012, we held a Festival Week for young people from primary and secondary schools from across the North East. A huge concern for us was the safe arrival and departure of the young people. PC Darren Rogers was an inspiring example of support and helfulness. He met us prior to the week and came up with an excellent plan which ensured the safety of the hundreds of young people who were travelling to and from the Youth Village. We were so grateful for the time and thought he put into this and for working with his colleagues to execute the proposal so wonderfully. Then on Thursday 28th June at about 4.00pm we were hit badly by the storm which caused such devestation all over our region. Knowing that we had 600 young people camping onsite, PC Rogers telephoned us to check that everyone was safe. We really appreciated his immediate concern and his reassurance in spite of the many calls on the police support that day. He then came down in person to check again that all was well. We feel that PC Rogers demonstrated great skill and support in looking after our arrivals and departures but were even more impressed and appreciative of his kindness and going the extra mile when we encountered the storm.

Adam was around our area informing people of local burglaries in the community. We spoke to him about having problems with our little boy Kevin. Adam came and spoke to Kev. He has also been around regularly to monitor Kevins behaviour.Though this monitoring Kevins behaviour has changed and he is now behaving himself more due to Adams help. He has helped our family move forward as has been a good role model to Kevin.

Right at the birth of the idea of an Olympics-themed festival for Great Lumley, Mark stepped up as a champion for the event. He declared his intention to be 100% behind the award from both a professional and personal standpoint.At a public meeting a few weeks later he stood up and declared his total support for the idea with conviction and enthusiasm. The decision to go ahead with Going for Gold Great Lumley Festival was based in no small measure on Marks impassioned presentation.He joined the organising committee and demonstrated that his commitment was much more than fine words. Little did he know, however, that a few weeks later he would be struck down by a heart attack. This took Mark out of the arrangements at a key time and we expected to hear nothing more from him for a long time.We were wrong. A few weeks later he was back - his enthusiasm undimmed. Much of the organisaion was well in hand but he had promised to help and he did. Wise advice, good contacts and promises of practical help were all forthcoming and he did not disappoint.At one point I was told (by others) that they could not see how he could attend the event over the weekend because of his rest day arrangements. Rest days or not he turned up as promised and gave fantastic support and encouragement.Mark went way beyond the call of duty for us simply because he believed this event would be good for the community. Im told there can be some cynicsm in the police force about the impact of events like Going for Gold. In this case the cynics would be wrong because the voice of the community would say otherwise. Going for Gold was a positive success in bringing diverse sections of the community together. Time (or the crime statistics) will tell but Great Lumley is much better for the personal and professional input of Mark Lumsden.I am delighted to nominate Mark for a WOW Award.

PCSO Heseltine attended our home as part of the response to an attempted break-in of one of our sheds on Tuesday 10th July 2012. She spent a considerable amount of time suggesting various ways of improving security around the property and was both knowledgeable and inovative with her suggestions. Her manner was professional yet friendly and as a result of her intervention we have already been able to impliment some of her ideas. My husband and myself felt this officer to be worthy of a commendation as she was so helpful throughout the investigation.

On Tuesday 10th July we were victims of an attempted break-in to one of our garden sheds. Various police officers attended our call for help at approximately 7.00.a.m. Following their intervention a youth was repremanded the following day. P.C. Garrett telephoned to give a very accurate and succinct account of what was to happen and proceeded to outline how we would be kept informed . He then rang after the week-end to give an update after the youth had been in front of the Magistrates. This is superb policing and my husband and myself would like to acknowledge our gratitude to this police officer for his professionalism in executing his role and put his name forward for commendation.

Submitted on behalf of Mrs Anne JonesI recently had the misfortune to be conned by a so called gardener who offered to maintain my garden but then made off with my money. DC Goad and DC Horner attended and were very supportive, considerate and understanding to the stress that this has caused me. I have nothing but respect and gratitude for both officers who are a credit to Durham Constabulary.