Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (Commissioner) David Allen, met with Whitehaven Community Beat Officer (CBO) PC Louise Stubbings recently, to hear more about the positive work being done to tackle local crime issues and concerns in Whitehaven North and East.
Of the offences investigated by the police in the Whitehaven North and East locality in the last 12 months, the detection ratio for those investigated by the local CBO has been 47%. Detection ratio refers to the proportion of offences the CBO has investigated to the number of positive outcomes they have achieved (Charge/Caution/Out of Court Disposal etc).
The North and East area of Whitehaven covers Hensingham, Hillcrest, the Highlands, Parton, Disington, Moresby and Gilgarran.
During the patrol, the Commissioner attended areas where the police have been tackling drug related issues, stop and search hot spot locations and venues where speeding and anti-social driving are causing problems.
Commissioner, David Allen said: “Prior to my election I met with locals in Whitehaven who had been experiencing issues caused by Anti-Social Behaviour and drug use. Last week, I met with a wider number of residents to discuss the same, this time with the local Neighbourhood Policing Team and the Chief Constable present. Following on from this, the patrol with Community Beat Officer, PC Stubbings, has been incredibly informative as she was able to show me what the current local crime issues are and what is been done to tackle these concerns.
“It’s great to see first-hand, the difference our officers are making. PC Stubbings is committed to her area, genuinely wants to do her best for it and is active in doing so. Since PC Stubbings started her role as Community Beat Officer 12 months ago, there have been a number of positive outcomes in the local area.
“Visible community policing is a key priority for me as Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, as well as a resident of Cumbria and it is something that will actively encourage and support.
“Each area across Cumbria will have their own unique crime issues and residents’ concerns, so it is really important that each area has a CBO that is knowledgeable about the community they serve and can help reduce the crimes that most affect local residents.
“In my career as a Police Officer in Cumbria, I was the village Police Officer for Burgh-by-Sands, as well as the Sergeant in Wigton, so I understand just how important neighbourhood and community policing is and how it is vital to reducing and preventing crimes, as well as building trust with our residents, who ultimately we are in service to.
“I will be meeting with other CBOs across the county in the upcoming months to hear more about their work and how I can support them. I will also be making sure that the public in the areas those officers serve, know about their work.”
Inspector Richard Smillie from Copeland Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “In Copeland, like other areas across the county, we have named police officers who are dedicated to understanding and working with our partners and communities to address issues reported to us.
“In her 12 months as Community Beat Officer, PC Stubbings has become a visible and familiar presence within the North and East Whitehaven community, engaging with members of the public, local businesses and schools.
“Her understanding of local issues has allowed her to proactively target criminal activity, resulting in some very positive outcomes.
“Across Cumbria we have named officers and PCSOs, you can find out who they are for your area on our website, by searching your postcode or address.”
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.