Five anti-social behaviour (ASB) hotspots in Allerdale and Copeland have seen a reduction in ASB by 24.9% 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.
Cumbria Constabulary examined data to identify the ASB hotspots across the county. Whitehaven, Workington, Cleator Moor and Maryport were identified in 2024, and Flatt Walks in Whitehaven was recently identified as a priority hotspot area in 2025. Between 1 October 2024 and 30 September 2025, there have been 65 less reports of anti-social behaviour on these streets dropping from 261 reports to 196.
Operation Enhance also sees police working with partners including from Cumberland Council. Cumberland Council staff on Operation Enhance patrols alerted police colleagues to a strong smell of cannabis coming from a building in the Senhouse Street area. Whilst investigating the rear yard, they noted the smell of cannabis was getting stronger. They could also hear humming noises consistent with generators and equipment used for cannabis farms. Police officers entered the premises where they located a significant cannabis farm inside. Equipment was dismantled and seized, along with the plants.
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “Operation Enhance continues to have a positive impact on communities across the county.
“A reduction of 24.9% on ASB across five hotspots in Allerdale and Copeland is an impressive feat and I know that as the operation continues, ASB will reduce even further.
“Flatt Walks in Whitehaven is a newly identified hotspot so it will be great to see how Operation Enhance assists with the reductions in this area on top of the great work the Allerdale Neighbourhood Policing Team do already.
“Operation Enhance clearly highlights the positive impact of having more police officers on our streets patrolling.
“Increased visible policing is one of the pledges I made to the public as Commissioner, and this is part of delivering this promise.
“It’s something that all residents want to see and I hope that they feel safer knowing that Police are out and about in their community.
“I look forward to seeing the positive impact of operation enhance continue.
“I’d urge the public to continue to report anti-social behaviour and crime to the Police on 101, or 999 in an emergency. Each report helps Police build evidence and ensures the appropriate resources are placed in the right areas. If you have anti-social behaviour happening in your area, report it. It is only by such reporting that the police know about it and can take action.
“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: "A 24.9% reduction of anti-social behaviour across Allerdale and Copeland illustrates that patrols in hotspot areas through Operation Enhance continues to work.
“Officers out on patrols act as a visible deterrent whilst also engaging with communities and local businesses.
“In recent weeks, these patrols led to the identification of a Cannabis Farm in Maryport, with council workers reporting information to officers who investigated and identified the grow.
“Officers will continue to proactively target those who cause disorder and nuisance in our communities.”
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.