Cumbria Constabulary are continuing to tackle anti-social behaviour hotspots across the county six months into the second round 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.
In the second year of Operation Enhance, the hotspots were re-examined to ensure that resources were being placed in the right communities. Three new areas were identified: Ormsgill, London Road in Carlisle, and Flatt Walks in Whitehaven.
Between 1 October 2024 and 30 September 2025, anti-social behaviour reduced by 38.3% in the 15 hotspots compared to the same period in 2023/24 – 974 reports down to 601.
Operation Enhance also sees police working with partners including from Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness Councils. Cumberland Council staff on Operation Enhance patrols alerted police colleagues to a strong smell of cannabis coming from a building in the Senhouse Street area. Whilst investigating the rear yard, they noted the smell of cannabis was getting stronger. They could also hear humming noises consistent with generators and equipment used for cannabis farms. Police officers entered the premises where they located a significant cannabis farm inside. Equipment was dismantled and seized, along with the plants.
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “Operation Enhance is continuously showing positive results in the reduction of anti-social behaviour in our hotspot areas.
“A reduction of 38.3% is a fantastic accomplishment and really shows that having extra bobbies on the beat makes a difference – not only in tackling crime in action but also making criminals think twice before acting.
“Increased visible policing is one of the pledges I made to the public as Commissioner, and this is part of delivering this promise.
“It’s something that all residents want to see and I hope that they feel safer knowing that Police are out and about in their community.
“We’ve identified three new hotspots that will now receive extra patrolling as part of the operation. I know that this will build on the work of the local neighbourhood policing teams who are dedicated to keeping their communities safe.
“I look forward to seeing the positive impact of operation enhance continue.
“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, report it. It is only by such reporting that the police know about it and can take action.
“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 said: “Officers have worked many hundreds of hours of extra, high-visibility patrols as part of Operation Enhance over the past 18 months and the statistics are clearly showing that their work is having a positive impact.
“Anti-social behaviour is a high priority issue for Cumbria Constabulary as those suffering from it will know how terrible an effect it can have on individuals and communities.
“The feedback our officers on the streets receive from the public is very positive, whilst we are encouraged by the amount of intel being received from members of the public who support this drive to tackle anti-social behaviour and serious violence and want to do their bit to help in their communities.”
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.