Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (Commissioner), David Allen, went out on patrol with Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) Inspector, Andrew Leather, and Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Ryley McDowall to learn more about the local crime concerns and what the Police are doing to tackle these issues.
Between 1 April 2024 and 14 March 2025, anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the area has reduced by 34.9% (from 83 reports down to 54) and overall crime has reduced by 5.4% (445 reports down to 421) in comparison to the same period in 2023/24.
The key work of local officers in the area has been dealing with ASB offending including out of court disposals for known offenders. Following positive interactions with young people in the area, reoffending rates are low therefore Police have seen an overall reduction in ASB, repeat offending and repeat targeting of the same victims.
Commissioner, David Allen, said: “Neighbourhood Policing is absolutely essential in tackling local crime concerns and ensuring low-level ASB does not grow into more serious offences.
“Going out on patrol in the Morton area, and other areas across the county, allows me to see first-hand the work taking place to prevent and reduce local crime by Cumbria Constabulary. I used to patrol Morton as the local panda car driver when I was a young constable so know the area well, so its good to see local policing is till effective in the area.
“It was great to hear about the work of the NPT from Inspector Andrew Leather and also about the community work taking by PCSO McDowall.
“PCSOs are a fantastic resource to our communities and are able to build that close relationship with residents which is absolutely vital to ensuring safer neighbourhoods and building trust between the Police and locals.
“I’ll be continuing to visit communities across the county to hear more about the positive work being done.
“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 Andrew Leather from Carlisle Neighbourhood Policing Team said “Issues within our communities are always a priority and our dedicated officers work with the community and partners to understand and address the issues.
“Although anti-social behaviour has decreased, we continue to take preventative measure to address these behaviours to prevent reoffending by engaging with young people involved and talking to young people in schools and patrolling hot spot areas.
“Visit our website – Carlisle | Cumbria Police to see your local team, events and our priorities. You can also find reporting information on our 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.