Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (Commissioner), David Allen, received updates at his Police Public Accountability Conference (PAC) on Tuesday 22 July.
Burglary has dropped in Cumbria by 33.7% between 1 April 2025 and 30 May 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Anti-social behaviour (ASB) has also dropped by 37.7% in the same period.
Since the start of the financial year, burglary has dropped by 33.7% equating to 70 less crimes being committed. Residential burglaries of a home decreased by 36.6% (34 fewer crimes) and business and community burglaries dropped by 50.4% (47 fewer crimes). The county has, however, seen a rise in burglaries of unconnected buildings, such as garages and sheds, these have increased by 50% with an extra 11 reports being received by Cumbria Constabulary. This reduction links to the Constabulary-wide focus on tackling burglary known as Operation THEMIS, the introduction of outcome based key performance indicators and increased media campaigns highlighting residents to the importance of securing their home and their belongings.
ASB has also dropped within this timeframe by 37.7%. Cumbria Constabulary received 513 reports of anti-social behaviour over the two-month period in 2025 compared to 824 reports in 2024. This large decrease is influenced by increased activity and visible foot patrol in identified key hotspots across the county. The £1million funding the extra patrols was secured by the Commissioner’s office and delivered under Operation Enhance. The Operation ran from July 2024 – March 2025 in 18 hotspots across Cumbria. In these hotspots alone, ASB reduced by 35.9% and a 20% reduction in serious violence.
Commissioner, David Allen, said: “A drop in burglary by 70 reports is a fantastic outcome – that’s 70 less victims in the last two months compared to the previous year which means Cumbria is safer.
“Being burgled can be an incredibly traumatic experience, our home is our sanctuary so to have someone enter without permission is a complete invasion. I’m really pleased to see that Cumbria Constabulary have done so much work to reduce this.
“There has been a rise in out buildings so I would encourage residents to check that they have locked any garages, sheds etc. to ensure that their property remains safe.
“ASB is a concern that is raised with me consistently by the public so, again, I’m pleased to see that ASB has dropped. The extra patrols from Operation Enhance had a huge impact on ASB and with the additional 46 extra officers, PCSOs and Special Constables is coming into Neighbourhood Policing over the next few months following the Government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, I hope we see another reduction this time next year.
“I’m really pleased with how the Constabulary are tackling crime and ASB as there have been some significant reductions in incidents.
“I will continue to hold the Constabulary to account around all crime types in my public accountability conferences. If you would like to come along to a PAC meeting, please contact my office at commissioner@cumbria-pcc.gov.uk or on 01768 217734.
“You can also raise any concerns around Policing at these contact details as well – I am your voice in Policing so please use me if you have a concern.”
Chief Constable (Temporary) Darren Martland said: “It’s really pleasing to see the hard work of our officers and staff paying off with such a large drop in the number of burglaries. This is great news for the people of Cumbria.
“Catching burglars who target people’s homes and stopping these intrusive offences happening in the first place are key priorities for the force.
“This reduction in offences means we are being successful in preventing these crimes, so fewer people are falling victim.
“I would like to reassure the public that we will continue with this focus, relentlessly targeting those who commit this type of offence - but also continuing to do as much as we can to prevent these offences.”
Mr Martland said the drop in anti-social behaviour was also welcome.
He added: “We know how anti-social behaviour can negatively affect people’s lives.
“We have introduced Community Beat Officers to our Neighbourhood Policing teams and they are visible in our communities, carrying out proactive patrols and increasing stop-searches, which we believe drives down anti-social behaviour and crime.
“This, as well as our Neighbourhood Pledge, keeps neighbourhood policing at the heart of our work.
“We are never complacent about crime and anti-social behaviour and will always aim to drive down offences as part of our service to the people of Cumbria.”
The county saw an increase in shoplifting by 10.7% - 47 additional reports. Over the last 12 months, the rate for shoplifting in Cumbria (increase of 3.8%) is still lower than the national average. The majority of items stolen were necessities more so than luxury items, including baby items such as formula and nappies, and food items.
Commissioner David Allen added: “Shoplifting is on the rise but it is clear that the majority is for essential items that some people may not be able to afford as part of the cost-of-living increases.
“I would really urge those who are considering shoplifting due to their financial situation to look at other avenues – there is support around you. You don’t need to turn to crime to support yourself and your family.
“There are food banks across Cumbria. You can find your nearest one at www.foodbanks.co.uk/food-bank-location or if you need help with baby supplies, there are baby banks in county as well, which can be found at www.littlevillagehq.org/uk-baby-banks/. If you are looking for support around finances, citizens advice can help with information – your local branch can be found at on their website.”
For the full performance report for Quarter One of 2025/26, visit the Cumbria Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner website.
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.