Six anti-social behaviour (ASB) hotspots in Barrow and South Lakes have seen a reduction in ASB by 27.2% following extra police patrols in the areas as part of Operation Enhance.
The operation aims to tackle anti-social behaviour in hotspot areas across the county by placing extra patrols in 15 hotspot areas. David Allen, Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner secured £1 million of extra funding from the Government’s Hotspot Response Fund to fund Operation Enhance.
The hotspots across the county are identified through Cumbria Constabulary analysing data received through reports of anti-social behaviour. Barrow Town Centre, Hindpool, Ulverston, Kendal and Bowness-on-Windermere were identified in 2024, and Ormsgill was recently identified as a priority hotspot area in 2025. Between 1 August 2025 and 31 January 2026, there have been 20 less reports of anti-social behaviour in these areas dropping from 116 reports to 96.
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “It’s encouraging to see that Operation Enhance is still having a positive impact on ASB in our communities.
“A reduction of 27.2% is very impressive and I know Officers will continue to deliver positive results under the operation.
“These hotspots have been identified through data gathered by Cumbria Police based on public reports and Police logs. This is why it’s so important that the public continues to report any anti-social behaviour and crime to the Police. It ensures that we can identify the communities that are most at risk and place the right resources into these areas.
“I’d urge the public to continue to report any crime type to 101 or 999 in an emergency. Without these reports, the Police may not know there are issues and therefore cannot help.
“If you feel that you have reported to the Police and haven’t seen a change, please contact me at commissioner@cumbria-pcc.gov.uk or at 01768 217734. I am the residents’ voice – your voice – in Policing, so please let me help.”
Chief Superintendent Andy Wilkinson, Cumbria Constabulary, said: “It is reassuring to see that Operation Enhance continues to have a positing impact within our communities and has led to a significant reduction in ASB related calls to service.
“Alongside the extra patrols via Operation Enhance, our Neighbourhood Policing Teams continue to have a visible presence in hotspot areas to disrupt and deter incidents of crime.
“We continue to ask for the communities support in reporting incidents of anti-social behaviour or other offences to us.”
If you wish to report to police you can do so online at Report a crime | Cumbria Police. You can also phone on 101. Always phone 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.