Cumbrian organisations continue to protect the county’s streets as part of the Government’s national Action in Winter initiative. Led by Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (Commissioner), David Allen, the initiative will highlight the positive work taking place across the county to keep residents safe and reassure the public that their communities are safe.
The project will highlight the work taking place 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.
Organisations including Cumbria Police, Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumberland Council will be highlighting their positive, community work over the next two months.
Commissioner David Allen said: “The Safer Streets Summer Initiative was a real success in highlighting Cumbrian organisations drive to keeping our streets safe. Therefore, it’s only fitting that we be transparent with the public on what we are doing to continue this work through the winter months.
“Every year, there are projects throughout the county that aim to keep residents and visitors safe whilst they are preparing and celebrating the festive period. Action in Winter, provides us with an opportunity to show the public all the positive work taking place.
“I’d encourage everyone to continue to report any crime to the Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Reporting provides the Police with the ability to place resources where they are most needed so reporting is invaluable.
“I hope that everyone hitting our high streets over the next few months see the difference our work is making and feel safer in their communities.”
Assistant Chief Constable Dave Stalker, Cumbria Constabulary, said: “Throughout the winter we will be undertaking 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 will have 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 seek to prevent crimes occurring before they happen. We aim to achieve this in various ways including increased visibility, close work with partner agencies and communities, and educational campaigns which are heavily promoted via the media and our social media channels.
“Several of our operations have commenced and are already achieving positive results, an example being that 705 vehicles have been stopped and 61 motorists have been arrested for offences relating to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs so far this month.
“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 keep up to date with our work to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour all year round by following our social media channels.”
Councillor Justin McDermott, Cumberland’s Portfolio Holder for Public Health and Communities, said: “Council officers work hard every day to tackle antisocial behaviour and keep residents safe, working closely with partners to deliver practical, long-term solutions that make a real difference in our communities.
"It’s important to highlight this work so residents feel confident to raise issues when they occur, enabling us and our partners to address them as early as possible. We all have a role to play in creating safer communities; if you see something that concerns you, please report it to the police or council.
“By working together and sharing information, we can respond quickly and effectively, ensuring that everyone feels safe, supported and heard.”
Councillor Judith Derbyshire, Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety, said: "We’re pleased to be building on the success of the Summer Safer Streets initiative earlier this year with the Winter of Action campaign.
“Through a balanced approach of enforcement and engagement, and by working collaboratively with our partners, we aim to tackle issues such as anti-social behaviour and make communities across Westmorland and Furness safer, more positive, and welcoming."
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. Alternatively, you could be entitled to up to £1,000 for giving information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
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