Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (Commissioner), David Allen, received updates at his Police Public Accountability Conference (PAC) on Monday 3 November.
Overall crime reduced by 2.2% between 1 April 2025 and 31 August 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, with 355 fewer crime reports, falling from 16,075 reports to 15,720.
Domestic abuse has reduced by 4.9% in the same time period comparisons, dropping from 2,671 reports to 2,541. As the Constabulary continues to tackle domestic abuse figures, a strong focus remains on the quality of officer interactions when responding to domestic abuse incidents. Body worn camera footage is reviewed monthly to ensure victim care and investigation standard quality remains high. Police Officers of all rank are to received training, funded by the Commissioner, on victim-blaming language to ensure victims feel comfortable and appropriate language is used in crime reports. Training also continues to reinforce trauma-informed and empathetic investigations into domestic abuse.
Neighbourhood crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) also fell by 18.9% and 34.5% respectively between 1 April 2025 and 31 August 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Operation Enhance is a key factor in the ASB reduction, funded by the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, the operation places extra police patrols in hotspot areas across the county. In the 15 hotspots alone between 1 October 2024 and 30 September 2025, ASB has reduced by 38.3% compared to the same period in 2023/24.
Neighbourhood Policing continues to be a priority in Cumbria to achieve the Government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee. The Constabulary will see an additional 26 named Community Beat Officers (CBO) being placed across the county before the end March 2026 – raising the number of CBOs from 58 to 84. Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) numbers have also increased by 16. The Control Room where 999 and 101 calls are received will also see a change, with 14 police staff replacing the Police Officers currently in these roles, allowing Officers to get back on the streets responding to crime.
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “These public accountability conferences are important as they are one of the key mechanisms for me to hold the Constabulary to account in a manner that is open and transparent with the public.
“I’m pleased to see that domestic abuse appears to have reduced in the county and also the extensive training that Police complete to ensure cases are handled correctly. However, 2,541 is still too many and I know that there are many instances of domestic abuse that go unreported. This is particularly the case in rural settings, so the work to provide safe reporting continues, alongside improving the quality of service given to those that do report – the survivors of domestic abuse.
“We as a society, not just in Cumbria, need to work together to put an end to domestic abuse. Whilst we work towards that goal together, I would encourage anyone in an abusive relationship to please report it to the Police or to contact Victim Support on 0300 303 0157.
“One of my commitments to the public is to increase visible policing. As part of the national Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee and Operation Enhance, we are seeing more officers on our streets, at the times they are required and also where they are most needed.
“The addition of 26 more locally based, named officers before the end of the financial year is a fantastic – that’s a 31% increase in Community Beat Officers for the county. The aim, of course, is that every community has a named officer dedicated to local issues, but we are making strides, so I’m really pleased about this as well as the additional PCSOs who are invaluable to neighbourhood policing and building positive relationships between the Constabulary and the public.
“I also received an update from our senior leadership team regarding their plans over the festive period and winter months. Every year, the Constabulary work to address the crime types that we often see a rise in over the festive period, focussing on violence against women and girls (VAWG), domestic abuse, retail crime, drink and drug driving, fraud and offences linked to the night-time economy.
“The Police work with partners and victims services to reduce crime and ensure people are supported when they have been targeted by criminals. The next few months will have a renewed focus on disrupting criminality with several focussed operations taking place.
“This is my last Police PAC of 2025 and I look forward to continuing to hold the Constabulary to account in the new year. I’m keen to evolve the meetings so that they are more accessible to the public so keep an eye on my website and social media for updates.
“If you would like to attend a PAC or would like to raise any concerns you may have around Policing, please contact me at commissioner@cumbria-pcc.gov.uk or on 01768 217734.”
Temporary Chief Constable Darren Martland, Cumbria Constabulary, said:
“These results reflect the tireless efforts and excellent performance of our officers and staff.
“A reduction in crime and anti-social behaviour is not just a statistic; it is about people and fewer victims of crime.
“I’m pleased with the progress that has been made in how we respond to domestic abuse, ensuring all survivors are treated with empathy and respect.
“In August, it was announced that Cumbria Constabulary was recognised as the leading police force in England and Wales across most categories of a national survey measuring public perceptions of crime and anti-social behaviour.
“Whilst we are very pleased with the announcement, we are not complacent. We will continue to develop our Neighbourhood Policing model and work with partners to address the issues that matter to our communities”.
For the full Public Accountability Conference reports, visit the Cumbria Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner 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.