Three anti-social behaviour (ASB) hotspots in Eden and South Lakes have seen a reduction in ASB by 33.8% 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. Penrith, Kendal and Bowness-on-Windermere were identified as hotspot areas in 2024. Between 1 October 2024 and 30 September 2025, there have been 46 less reports of anti-social behaviour in these areas dropping from 136 reports to 90.
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “Anti-social behaviour is an issue that is raised with me regularly by members of the public so I’m pleased to see the Constabulary continuing to combat this through Operation Enhance.
“A reduction of 33.8% on ASB across Penrith, Kendal and Bowness-on-Windermere is an incredible achievement and I hope to see this trend continue.
“The most recent 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. Please don’t assume that if it’s on local Facebook groups that the Police are aware of it – we need you to report in order to tackle the issue.
“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 clear that having more officers out on patrol does make a difference to crime.
“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’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 Inspector Lee Skelton, Westmorland and Furness BCU said: “I am pleased that we have seen a significant reduction in ASB related calls for service as part of Operation Enhance within Eden and the South Lakes.
“Ultimately this targeted activity is making our neighbourhoods safer and more resilient, and we remain committed to sustaining these improvements long-term.
“Our officers and PCSOs will continue to patrol the hotspot areas to prevent and target those responsible for serious violence and anti-social behaviour.”
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.