Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (Commissioner), David Allen, and MP Julie Minns met with residents to hear their concerns in Morton, Carlilse followed by a walkabout with local Police Officers.
The Commissioner and MP held a local surgery on Thursday 31 July at Operation Respect in Chances Park to provide residents the opportunity to raise any concerns they had around policing and fire.
Following the surgery, the Commissioner, MP and local Police Officers PCs Dan Fisher and Nick Leigh went on patrol around the Morton area to speak about the positive work of Police in the area. Between 01 April 2024 – 31 March 2025, overall crime has decreased by 9.2% (87 less reports) and anti-social behaviour by 32.1% (42 less reports) compared the same period in 2023/24.
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “It’s my job to represent the public in policing and fire, therefore it’s imperative that I provide residents with the opportunity to speak to me about any of their concerns.
“Operation respect was a great opportunity for me to go to residents and also meet with other public servants who all have the same goal as I do – to make Cumbria the best county it can be.
“I want to thank residents for coming along to speak to me and MP Julie Minns.
“I try to get out with Officers as often as I can to find out more about their local work. Patrolling with PC Fisher and PC Leigh provided a great insight into what is going on in the Morton area and how the Police are dealing with any crime trends.
“I was pleased to see that ASB has reduced by 32.1% - ASB is the crime that affects the majority of us so it’s incredibly important that this is tackled before it can grow into more serious crimes.
“Anyone who wasn’t able to come along the surgery today but would like to raise an issue with me, can do so at commissioner@cumbria-pcc.gov.uk or at 01768 217734.”
Julie Minns, MP for Carlisle, said: “The Commissioner and I are united in our commitment to driving crime and antisocial behaviour out of Carlisle’s neighbourhoods.
“After years of a declining police presence on Britain’s streets, the Government is putting millions of pounds back into frontline, neighbourhood policing, and tackling anti-social behaviour that blights communities like Morton.
“Patrols like this, and the Government’s £66m summer crime blitz, are a return to the principles of British policing – where officers are part of the communities they serve and are focused on tackling crimes like antisocial behaviour, theft and nuisance bikes that affect us all.”
Inspector Andy Leather, from Carlisle Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Operation Respect events are an opportunity for police and partners to come together within our communities and provide advice and discuss issues.
“Information from today’s event will be taken into the local focus hub for partners to address any issues reported.
“It’s also positive to see that anti-social behaviour has reduced, however we aren’t complacent, and the neighbourhood policing team are continuing to proactively target those engaging in such behaviour. This is also supported by additional activity for Operation Enhance and the Safer Streets Summer campaign.
“Visit our website – Carlisle | Cumbria Police to see your local team, events and our priorities. You can also find reporting information on our website.”
The Commissioner is hosting two future surgeries in the county. Updates are provided on the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner website and Facebook page:
- Northside Community Centre, Workington, CA14 1AX, Wednesday 6 August from 1:30pm – 2:30pm.
- Appleby on Wednesday 27 August from 2pm – 4pm, venue tbd.
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.