Three anti-social behaviour (ASB) hotspots in Carlisle have seen a reduction in ASB by 38.7% following extra police patrols in December as part of Operation Enhance.
The operation aims to tackle anti-social behaviour in hotspot areas across the county by placing extra patrols in 15 hotspot areas. David Allen, Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner secured £1 million of extra funding from the Government’s Hotspot Response Fund to fund Operation Enhance.
Cumbria Constabulary examined data to identify the ASB hotspots across the county. Carlisle’s High Street and Botchergate were identified in 2024, and London Road was recently identified as a priority hotspot area in 2025. Between 1 December 2025 and 31 December 2025, there was 31 less reports of anti-social behaviour on these streets dropping from 80 reports to 49. Compared to December 2024.
Officers aren’t just stopping ASB. As part of their visible patrols, they’re tackling other crime types. On Carlisle High Street, Police were approached by member of staff from The Works to report that someone had just shoplifted. Officers searched the area and located the suspect with items still on their possession, which were returned to the shop. Officers on patrol also intervened in a domestic assault that led to the arrest of the offender.
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “As many of us were winding down for Christmas and going out to celebrate, Officers were visibly continuing to hit the streets to keep us safe.
“A 38.7% decrease in ASB is an amazing result and I’m really pleased to see that since Operation Enhance began in 2024 that ASB continues to drop across our hotspot areas in the county. Visible, evidence led, targeted policing works.
“The Officers aren’t only deterring ASB and low-level crimes, but they are also disrupting crimes in action and stopping perpetrators in their tracks – highlighting the importance of having highly visible officers out on our streets.
“I’d urge the public to continue to report anti-social behaviour and crime to the Police on 101, or 999 in an emergency. Each report helps Police build evidence and ensures the appropriate resources are placed in the right areas. If you have anti-social behaviour happening in your area, please report it. It is only by such reporting that the police know about it and can take action. Simply put, if you don’t report it, the police do not know about it and cannot put visible resources in to place to stop it. Additionally, I would stress that social media isn’t the place to report it. The police do not routinely monitor social media. Do not assume that just because you’ve highlighted an issue on local social media that the police have seen it. Report it properly via police channels.
“If you feel that you have reported to the Police and haven’t seen a change, please contact me at commissioner@cumbria-pcc.gov.uk or at 01768 217734. I am the residents’ voice – your voice – in Policing, so please let me help.”
Chief Superintendent Andy Wilkinson, Cumbria Constabulary, said: “We continue to see the positive impacts of increased patrols in Carlisle though Operation Enhance.
“A 38.7% decrease in anti-social behaviour is thanks to the visible presence of officers disrupting such behaviours.
“We will continue to build on this by engaging with local businesses and the community, if you have been a victim of anti-social behaviour report it to us.”
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.