Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (Commissioner) David Allen, met with Windermere and Bowness Community Beat Officer (CBO) PC Rebecca Hunter and Inspector Ross Woods on Wednesday 26 June to hear more about the positive work being done to tackle crime in the night-time economy. The Commissioner and CBO also met with Lake District National Park rangers who are working in collaboration with Officers to reduce anti-social behaviour and boat thefts around Lake Windermere.
During the patrol, the Commissioner visited Bowness’ Ash Street, Church Street, Robison Place and Crag Bow where PC Hunter spoke about the issues surrounding the night-time economy and how she is working with local businesses to reduce these concerns.
Between 1 June 2023 and 31 May 2024, 74 offences related to the night-time economy were recorded. This was a 11% increase in comparison to the same period in 22/23. All crimes took place between 9pm – 3am and were alcohol related.
To combat this, PC Hunter is working closely with the local Pubwatch Scheme as well as Westmorland and Furness Licensing Authority to promote Licencing Objectives so that premises are fully compliant. To ensure compliance, the Police have conducted late night spot visits and pre-planned visits to venues. The Police cadets have also been crucial to tackling crime related to the night-time economy through Test Purchase Operations at on and off licences to ensure they are applying challenge 21-25 policies. Following a successful pilot in Carlisle, the Welfare Hub has also launched in Bowness, operating on Saturday evenings to provide a safe space for anyone who may be vulnerable. The Hub also links into the Violence Against Women and Girls work which has been ongoing, including high visibility foot patrol as well as promotion of the Ask For Angela Campaign.
The Commissioner and PC Hunter also visited Lake District National Park Lake Rangers. PC Hunter, Police and the Rangers are working together to tackle anti-social behaviour. Their partnership working is also aiming to tackle the ongoing efforts to reduce boat theft. The Lake District National Park applied to the Commissioner’s Property Fund. They were awarded £2,500 to purchase galaxy smart tags, SelectaDNA kits and stickers to reduce the theft of boats, outboard engines, trailers, canoes, fuel etc. from around Windermere with thieves causing significant damage.
Commissioner David Allen said: “PC Hunter is well-known in Windermere and is an excellent example of what a Community Beat Officer should be.
“She works closely with the community including local organisations to ensure that issues that effect the residents are dealt with, with a local approach.
“During my campaign, the public repeatedly raised with me their desire to see more officers, such as PC Hunter, on the beat. I intend to deliver on my pledge to increase this within my term of office.
“Windermere and Bowness are two of our most popular areas for tourists, it is a beautiful area to eat, drink and explore. No one wants their night ruined by poor behaviours caused by too much drink. This is why it’s important that the Police are proactively out in the night-time economy to prevent situations from escalating.
“It was great to meet the Rangers from the Lake District National Park to see the collaborative work to tackle ASB and boat thefts. I’m pleased to see that money from my Office is helping to tackle this. I hope that, as a result, we do see a reduction in boat thefts throughout summer.
“I am meeting with other CBOs across the county in the near future. I am looking forward to seeing more about the positive work that they do.
“As your Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner, I am the voice of residents within Policing and Fire – I am your voice. If any member of the public has a concern about crime in their area, or around the Constabulary or Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, please raise it with me at commissioner@cumbria-pcc.gov.uk or call 01768 217734.”
Inspector Ross Woods, South Lakes Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We want everyone who goes out in Windermere and Bowness to have a great night out, but in case things don’t go to plan we have officers on hand to provide assistance and reassurance.
“The launch of the Bowness Welfare hub, based within the grounds of St Martin’s Church, has been designed to provide a safe space and offer support to any person feeling vulnerable or unsafe on a night out.
“Anyone who has been the victim of a crime or incident can also attend the Hub and speak to one of the officers on duty who will be able to provide you with relevant police support.”
Speaking on Operation Headway, Cumbria Police’s dedicated operation to tackle the theft of boats and related equipment, Inspector Woods continued: “The work into Operation Headway is ongoing and we are continuing to forensically mark property ensuring it’s less attractive to steal and easier to return if stolen.
“Our joint patrols with the Lake District National Park rangers will continue throughout the summer on and around Windermere.
“If you see anything suspicious, please report to police via 101. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress”.
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.