Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (Commissioner), David Allen met with local residents of Penrith and the surrounding area last week, to listen to their views and concerns on Cumbria Constabulary and Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service.
From 1st April 2024 – 31 March 2025, incidents of anti-social behaviour in Penrith and the surrounding area has reduced by 24%, driven in part by the additional visibility patrols of Operation Enhance. For the same period, the volume of crime has increased slightly, from 1,585 recorded incidents to 1,617, an increase of 2%. This small increase is mainly driven by a 14% increase in the town centre, where common assault and theft offences were the primary drivers of the increase in volume. Operation Enhance patrols will be operating over the summer months to target these issues in the town centre.
At the surgery, residents came to discuss a variety of issues from fox-hunting and fly-camping in the Lake District to local parking and access issues. The Commissioner discussed the enforcement of Community Protection Warnings, gave advice on reporting criminal activity in tourist areas and discussed the remit of Police in parking disputes.
Talking about his visit, Commissioner David Allen said: “As part of my commitment to be an active, visible, and accessible Commissioner, I hold surgeries across our county to hear your views and any concerns you may have about our police and fire services. I act on all of the issues raised with me and do my utmost to help those who come to me for help and advice. I also regularly go out on patrol with our local neighbourhood policing teams and see the work they do to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.
“The evidence is clear to see - a 24% reduction in anti-social behaviour over the last year, speaks volumes and is a great result. The additional patrols, as part of Operation Enhance, have helped to make a big difference.
“However, we are not complacent and there is still much to do. Proactive and visible policing in our communities works and we continue to urge members of the public to work with the Police and report any issues or concerns they have around crime and anti-social behaviour.
“I have held a significant number of surgeries since being elected last year and I’ve tried to visit as many communities as possible in that time. However, you don’t have to wait for me to come to your area, you can email me on: commissioner@cumbria-pcc.gov.uk with any queries, they will be picked up.
“As your Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner, my role is to be the voice of residents within Cumbria, in respect of the Police and Fire services – 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 Mo Bibby, Eden Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Anti-social behaviour continues to be a priority for us, and we will be working with partners to tackle these issues as well as continuing with our hotspot patrols as part of Operation Enhance.
“Our officers hold regular police desks which are designed to work with the local people who are affected by the issues of anti-social and criminal behaviour, and any other issues affecting the local community.
“On our social media channels, you will also see us regularly promote our Police and Communities Together (PACT) survey. This is your opportunity to tell us what your priorities are for the police to address in the area you live.
“The team will continue to address the issues which matter the most to our residents and I’d like to take this opportunity to encourage anyone who has any concerns in relation to crime, disorder, ASB or suspicious activity, to report to police.”
“Visit our website – here, to see your local team, events and our priorities. You can also find reporting information on our website.”