Anti-social behaviour - We're patrolling to stop further incidents

PCSOs Hollie Huck and Sam Watson have received further reports of anti-social behaviour in and around the former Kangol factory site. 

They will continue to provide patrols here to deter further incidents and to identify those causing the problems. 

Egremont Youth Partnership - Winner of a PCC Above and Beyond award 2020

A partnership that has helped reduce the chances of youths being at risk has been given a top award.

The Egremont Youth Partnership (EYP) was given an Above and Beyond honour at the Community Champions awards. 

This ceremony saw volunteers and professionals from all over the county celebrated for their outstanding work in keeping their communities safe.

The awards were hosted by Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall.

The Egremont Youth Partnership (EYP) has consistently supported the Copeland Local Focus Hub to deliver activities in the town to reduce risk-taking behaviour by young people.

At the beginning of last year, the hub identified Egremont as a priority area for multi-agency action following a rise in youth-related community concerns.

This also contributed towards the decision to launch a Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) in Egremont.

Officers approached the EYP to help to identify youths who were causing problems.

EYP staff conducted regular patrols and engaged with groups of youths to divert them towards alternative activities.

The EYP has also:

* Taken a central role within the CAP, hosting a launch that was well-attended by local youths and dignitaries.

* Distributed Challenge 25 posters to licensed premises, stencilled warning signs on pavements and placed prevention advertising at key locations.

* Attended secondary schools to speak directly to youths to offer advice and seek their participation in diversionary activities.

As well as this the EYP patrolled alongside police at Egremont Crab Fair.

Historically the fair has resulted in youth-related disorder, missing people and risk-taking behaviour.

The EYP bridged the trust gap between the youths and police, ensuring that those at risk were identified and supported early.

The EYP offered its youth centre as a ‘safe zone’ where alternative activities were organised and free refreshments made available.

During the course of the event the EYP positively engaged with 296 youths.

Inspector Richard Smillie said: "It is great that the work of the EYP has been recognised in the PCC awards. 

"The EYP won the 'Above and Beyond' award for all of their work supporting youths in the area. 

"Well done Egremont Youth Partnership!"

Training PCSOs to educate youngsters about alcohol abuse

Copeland's PCSOs have been given useful advice on educating youngsters about the dangers of alcohol abuse.

The officers were given what was regarded as a very productive and informative input from the Alcohol Education Trust.

This session was funded by Cumbria's Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall.

It helps officers better engage with schoolchildren.

And by educating the young through a modern yet non-lecturing approach, the aim is to reduce the harm and alcohol-linked crime that can have long lasting effects on all.

Internet safety - Giving advice to children

PCSO Sam Watson attended St Patrick's School in Cleator Moor to give a talk on internet safety to the local Mini Police.

During Internet Safety Week, beginning February 10, the Mini Police will be talking to the rest of the school about this issue. 

Cracking down on drink and drug driving - and addressing the issues that concern the public

More than 40 motorists were arrested on suspicion of either drink or drug driving in west Cumbria during the Christmas operation to keep the county’s roads safe.

Officers carried out hundreds of breath tests between December 1 and January 2 in this part of the county as Cumbria Constabulary targeted these offences.

The operation saw police tackle an issue the public regularly raise as a key concern – driving offences.

Officers carried out stop checks and tested drivers suspected of being over-the-limit.

As well as drink driving, officers also checked for drug driving, with a roadside drugs wipe testing a person’s saliva to find if they have taken drugs before getting behind the wheel.

Superintendent Carl Patrick said: “The public regularly raise concerns about driving and people committing traffic offences.

“Police officers and special constables in west Cumbria should be rightly proud of their contribution to tackling this issue.

“Thousands of vehicles have been stop-checked and hundreds of drivers breath tested, which resulted in 42 people being arrested for either drink or drug driving.

“While it is disappointing so many people drove in a condition that placed other road users and themselves at risk, what was really pleasing was we caught 42 of them.”

Supt Patrick added he was keen for the public to know that police take these crimes seriously.

“We will do all we can to keep the roads safe,” he added.

“Those tempted to drink drive or drive under the influence of drugs should take notice of the number of drivers we tested.

“If you think you can risk driving after a few drinks, then think again.”

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, said: “Drink driving is a serious offence and one of the biggest killers on our roads.

“By drink driving, you are not only putting yourself at risk but also other road users – it’s a selfish and dangerous act and it will not be tolerated here in Cumbria.

“The Constabulary did a fantastic job over the festive period, as they do year-round, and I hope the 42 motorists that were caught under the influence have learned that there are consequences for their actions.

“The festive period might be over but I would like to remind the public not to drink or drug drive – if you want a drink make sure you have a designated sober driver or you have an alternative way home.”

Kids take a look at the exciting life of a police officer

Frizington and Arlecdon Bandits arrived at Whitehaven Police Station for a look around our old custody room and to experience the process of being both a PC and a bad guy - from arrest, finger print taking to jail cell time.

We also threw in some dressing up in uniform before they were able to have a look around a patrol vehicle.

The visit was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Meeting the kids at Howgill Nursery

PCSOs Hollie Huck and Sam Watson went to Howgill Nursery to give a talk to the children about people who help them.

The children tried on police and PCSO uniforms and had a look around the van, getting to see the lights and listen to the sirens.

The children said the sirens were very loud!

Officers later received a lovely card from the children to say thank you for coming to the nursery .

Detectives charge man with 11 offences

Detectives in west Cumbria have charged a man with 11 offences, including burglary and aggravated vehicle taking.

Colin Berry, 28, of Richmond Road, Workington, has been remanded in custody after appearing before Workington’s magistrates’ court.

This followed investigations launched following a number of incidents in the Lamplugh, Rowrah and Frizington area overnight from Friday into Saturday (February 1).

Berry is charged with:

·         Dwelling burglary.

·         Non-dwelling burglary.

·         Three counts of aggravated vehicle taking.

·         Vehicle interference.

·         Two counts of disqualified driving.

·         Two charges of driving with no insurance.

·         Shoplifting.

Berry’s case will next be heard at Carlisle Crown Court at a later date.

Farmwatch and rural crime - Come and join prevention schemes

We are seeking to rejuvenate our Farmwatch scheme in Copeland, as well as help in setting up new Neighbourhood Watch Schemes.  

If you are interested in joining or in running one of these schemes, then please get in touch. 

We are also looking to recruit police volunteers to help combat wildlife crime in the area.  

Please email 101@cumbria.police.uk if you are interested and label your email for the attention of the Copeland Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Arrests made following neighbour dispute

Two women from Egremont have been arrested and charged with public order offences following a prolonged neighbour dispute. 

The arrests show that a robust approach will be taken in matters like this. 

Police reach out to rural communities - Help us tackle thefts

Officers are reaching out to rural communities following a number of thefts in the countryside across Cumbria. 

In recent months, Cumbria has seen an increasing number of quadbike thefts.

Officers believe local people who live and work in our rural communities hold the key to disrupting and helping police apprehend offenders.        

Police are reaching out to those who use the rural road network and live and work in rural areas to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police or via the CrimeStoppers line - 0800 555 111.

Please click here for more on this.