Cumbrian organisations showcase the work taking place to protect the county’s streets as part of the Government’s national Action in Winter initiative.
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (Commissioner), David Allen, who leads the initiative visited Whitehaven and Penrith to hear more about the positive action of Police, Cumberland Council, Westmorland Council and third sector organisations. The project aims to tackle and prevent violence against women and girls, crime in the night-time economy, retail crime including abuse towards shop employees, dangerous driving and anti-social behaviour (ASB).
In Whitehaven, the Commissioner met with Local Focus Hub Manager, Louise Coid, and Cumbria Constabulary’s Whitehaven Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector, Michael Hird. They visited the Move on Scheme hosted by Cumberland Council and Home Group that aim to support those at risk of homelessness to reduce the likelihood of residents ending up on the streets. They then walked the town centre, highlighting the multi-agency approaches to reduce ASB, and crime in the night-time economy. The group then visited Hope Haven, a multi-agency project to support adults with a range of services from mental health to finances.
The Commissioner then headed to Penrith to meet Cumbria Constabulary’s Harm Reduction and Licensing Sergeant, Rebecca Hunter, and Westmorland and Furness Council’s Licensing Authority Officer, Joshua Bardgett, to hear more about the work being done to ensure local pubs are following regulations. During the visit, the drugs wipes were conducted in the pubs toilets, and a My Checkr Age Verification Device was used to assess staff judgement and confidence in age verification. The group then headed to another premises to meet Local Focus Hub Manager, Richard Scoffham, and Eden Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector, Mo Bibby to showcase the Welfare Hub and anti-spiking work that has taken place between organisations. The Welfare Hub, originally set up by the Commissioner’s office in Carlisle, provides a safe space for those in need of help from spiking concerns to just needing a place to wait for their taxi.
Cumbria Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “The Action in Winter Initiative is all about showcasing the positive work that’s taken place to keep our town centres and residents safe.
“We are seeing a difference in our town centres – thanks to projects such as Operation Enhance, ASB and violence against the person have reduced by 28.9% and 2.6% respectively across the county.
“So much of the work taking place is preventative – prevention is key to reducing crime and ASB in the county. The work taking place in the Move on Scheme is a perfect example – helping those who are struggling to ensure they do not end up on the streets and either turning to crime to survive or being taken advantage of by organised crime gangs.
“Creating safer communities is not the responsibility of one organisation – it is a group effort. The Action in Winter Initiative really highlights that working together can make a positive difference across the county.
“I hope this reassures residents that their organisations are out, doing positive work to keep their communities safe.”
Assistant Chief Constable Dave Stalker, Cumbria Constabulary, said: “Throughout the winter we have undertaken significant operational activity to keep people safe across our county.
“The winter period can lead to an increase in demand on our service. Therefore, we have had additional officers on duty at peak periods to effectively respond to incidents and provide visible reassurance to our communities.
“Alongside responding to incidents, a great proportion of our efforts sought to prevent crimes occurring before they occurred. As well as the significant volume of enforcement action taken so far during the winter, we have also made hundreds of interventions to keep people safe and prevent people being victim to crimes.
“This work is not limited to a specific period of the year, our officers and staff work tirelessly throughout the year to make Cumbria an even safer place.
“I would encourage anyone who requires the police to please get in touch. Please do not suffer in silence, we have officers and staff ready to respond to your information.
“You can continue to keep up to date with our work to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour by following our social media channels.”
Cllr Justin McDermott, Cumberland’s Executive member for Public Health and Communities, said: “I am delighted that our Local Focus Hubs were spotlighted today.
“They are an amazing example of how interagency working can spot and solve ASB issues with great effect.
“When partners pool their collective knowledge and skills, and use them directly and collaboratively, it really can change lives and communities.”
Councillor Judith Derbyshire, Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety, said: “Tackling anti-social behaviour and keeping people safe in our town centres is a key priority for the Council, and we know this is best achieved by working in partnership.
“From addressing anti-social behaviour to supporting anti-spiking initiatives and responsible licensing, our focus is on prevention, early intervention and creating places where everyone feels safe and welcome.
“By working closely with Cumbria Police, local businesses and organisations, we are committed to taking firm, proportionate action where needed and continuing to support initiatives that help protect our communities.”