Four anti-social behaviour (ASB) hotspots in Barrow and Ulverston have seen a reduction in ASB by 55.6% 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 and Ulverston were identified in 2024, and Ormsgill was recently identified as a priority hotspot area in 2025. Between 1 October 2024 and 30 September 2025, there have been 184 less reports of anti-social behaviour in these areas dropping from 331 reports to 147.
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “I’m pleased to see Operation Enhance having such a positive impact in Barrow and Ulverston hotspots.
“A reduction of 55.6% on ASB across four hotspots in the south of Cumbria is an incredible achievement and I hope to see this trend continue.
“Ormsgill 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 Barrow Neighbourhood Policing Team do already.
“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.”
Sergeant Paul Holmes, Barrow Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT), said: “Addressing and reducing anti-social behaviour is a priority for the Barrow NPT.
“We continue to engage with our communities and listen to their concerns to proactively target our hotspot areas as part of Operation Enhance.
“By conducting these foot patrols, it allows us to actively engage with the public and educate those involved in ASB and disorder.
“In doing so, we have achieved some great results which show the positive impact these additional patrols are having on our calls for service.”
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.