Unseen policing
We are committed to fighting crime and protecting the public and strive to offer the very best service we can, but so much is unseen.
We'd like to give you some insight into the less visible side of policing.
On a daily basis and whilst the communities are tucked up in beds, our officers are dealing with a range of issues from mental health demands, missing person enquiries and searches, investigating cybercrime, modern day slavery and dangerous drug networks.
There is a difference between harm seen in communities due to anti-social behaviour and the complexities of hidden harm such as crime related to alcohol and drug abuse. These issues can be complex to deal.
We cannot face this alone and we often draw on the strength of partner agencies and our communities to play an equal part in finding solutions - especially with crime prevention and safeguarding members of the public who are vulnerable to crime and criminal exploitation.
So a big thank you to members of the public that continue to report concerns, suspicious activity and crimes.
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Sandylands
On Monday 17 January, a StreetSafe was carried out on High Cragg Close.
A StreetSafe is a multi- agency meet where we all get together to speak to residents to establish any problems in the area.
These are held so we can spot emerging issues before they become something more serious and are invaluable to policing and to communities.
Surveys were posted through doors. Please, if you received one, fill out the form and send it back in the stamped addressed envelope. This enables us to address any issues you may have.
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Burneside
We have been conducting many high-visibility patrols in Burneside this month following an incident where a woman was grabbed by a man on New Road.
The incident occurred shortly after midnight on 9 January.
The investigation continues and we will continue to patrol this area.
For more information on this incident, you can view our full public appeal by clicking here.
Anyone with information relating to this incident can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it quoting incident number 8 of 9 January 2022. You can also phone on 101.
Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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Neighbourhood Policing Week
Our team works throughout the year to support you, the communities we serve, by tackling the issues and concerns that matter to you.
Crime and anti-social behaviour can have a detrimental and lasting impact on not only those directly affected, but also the wider community. Our officers and PCSOs work tirelessly with communities and partner agencies to ensure residents and businesses receive the best possible local policing service.
This month we highlighted some of the work we do as part of Neighbourhood Policing Week. It is work that often goes unnoticed but is invaluable in keeping people safe and making people feel safe in their communities.
Our Superintendent, Matthew Pearman, said: “Police officers are here 365 days a year and, even in the midst of the pandemic, this is the type of work which goes on every day in our local communities.
“It may not be as celebrated as some other areas of policing but local neighbourhood officers who know their community and can spot emerging issues before they become something more serious are invaluable to policing and to communities.
“However, we must also recognise the role of partners in the work of neighbourhood policing. Through the work of Local Focus Hubs, which bring different agencies together including police, fire, housing, councils and more, our officers have never been in a better position to deal with community issues and find effective solutions.”
Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, said: “The heart of neighbourhood policing is their desire to help people. They support us, aim to prevent problems before they happen and strive to keep our communities safe.
“Neighbourhood policing involves understanding local problems that may cause harm or threaten the safety of others. Their role is to identify issues, work with partner agencies and to support vulnerable people, at a time when it is needed most.
“We also need to remember that these officers are people too, and their willingness to risk their own safety to protect others, is brave, courageous and credit to their commitment to the job and they are able to do that best when we the public, work with them as a team.”
Please report any incidents of crime or anti-social behaviour to us, to help our policing teams keep South Cumbria safe.
We will continue to keep you informed of our work via this newsletter. If you have any feedback, we'd love to hear from you.
Hallgarth
During January's Neighbourhood Policing Week (mentioned above) we conducted a StreetSafe event on the Hallgarth estate with properties backing onto the MUGA.
We also held a multi-agency drop-in session at the Hallgarth Community Centre on 21 January, which provided residents an opportunity to raise concerns and issues which we could look into.
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Crooklands
Rural PCSOs Hayley Newman and Kathryn Taylor have been holding drop-in sessions at the Junction 36 Auction Mart. Our aim is to reduce local opportunities for rural crime and improve the intelligence flow between agricultural communities and the police.
Hayley and Kathryn have been promoting the Farm Watch scheme and are trying to improve connections with our neighbouring forces to tackle rural crime.
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Sedbergh
Around 1pm on 9 January, we received a report that two men in a vehicle approached a dog walker and asked for money for fuel and in return they would offer him a gold chain.
The incident occurred in the Ingmire / Brigflatts Lane area of Sedbergh,
The dog walker had no money, so they drove off. This is likely to be a scam and we have had similar reports recently. Please never offer cash to anyone you do not know.
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Howgill
Between 2 and 3 January, a rural residential property was broken into in the Howgill area where a door was forced open. It does not appear anything was stolen.
If you have any information regarding this burglary, you can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it.
You can also phone on 101 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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Milnthorpe
ASB
We are keeping a close eye on activity in the football stands in Milnthorpe.
We've received reports of young people gathering, taking drugs and causing damage.
When we have attended the area there has been no noticeable damage but an outrageous amount of litter left behind (pictured).
Drug activity will not be tolerated and we will consider all options available to us including undertaking stop searches, where appropriate.
We ask parents to please be aware of where your children and what they are up to.
Criminal damage investigation update
We are pleased to say that an investigation into damage to Christmas decorations has resulted in a suspect being identified.
We conducted house-to-house enquiries and CCTV enquires which enabled us to identify the person responsible. We spoke with the offender and following agreement with the parish council, we have dealt with this by means of a community resolution - with the offender agreeing to pay for the damage caused.
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Storth
On the 14 January, a person in their late 80s was targeted by a telephone scam. We ask that you please speak to your vulnerable relatives about online and telephone scams.
Please explain that you must never share personal details including bank details over the phone, even if the person you are talking to sounds legitimate or genuine. Banks or the police will never ask you to transfer your money into a safe account. Always go into your banking branch and discuss any concerns that you might have regarding the safety of your money.
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Beetham School
On Tuesday 25 January, rural PCSOs Hayley Newman and Kathryn Taylor joined forces with Kendal fire brigade and Beetham Primary School to help deliver a road safety awareness session as part of the school's Ethos day 'caring for everyone'.
The children learned how to cross roads safely, wear seatbelts, be seen and wear cycle helmets whilst on a bike or scooter.
The children particularly enjoyed the demonstration given by Mel the Melon and his unfortunate accident when not wearing a cycle helmet.
Next month Hayley and Kathryn will be delivering internet safety talks to students from years 5 and 6.
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Arnside
On the 5 January, a theft occurred at Holgates Caravan Park.
A man driving a black Mercedes CLK Coupe, parked in a car park near to the caravan park, entered the shop and left the shop with goods. He then returned and requested a refund on the products that he had stolen.
If you witnessed the incident or remember seeing this vehicle in this location, please contact us quoting incident number 171 of 5 January. Anyone with information relating to this incident can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it.
You can also phone on 101 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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Kendal Town centre
Shoplifting
Two women were charged after a shoplifting incident at the TK Maxx store.
A 30-year-old woman and a 28-year-old woman, both from Lancaster, were charged with theft from a shop.
The charges follow swift arrests made by our officers.
Anti-social behaviour
We are pleased to announce that anti-social behaviour reports have been lower this month, compared to previous months.
We are not complacent and we will continue to patrol the town centre and link in with partner agencies to identify, investigate and prevent incidents.
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Kirkby Lonsdale
We have had reports of anti-social behaviour in Kirkby Lonsdale including youths knocking on doors and running away. We also received a report of damage caused to public toilets.
Rural PCSOs have visited residents who have been affected and delivered StreetSafe surveys to determine the extent of the problem.
We will also be carrying out patrols in the area. If you are experiencing any anti-social behaviour, please report this.
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Your local officers
Want to know who your local officers are?
Simply go to our website - www.cumbria.police.uk
Scroll down the home page and you can browse different areas to see who your local team are - or enter your postcode.
Not only will you be able to find out who your named local officers and PCSOs are, you will also be able to view our local policing priorities and details of any meetings or events we will be attending.
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In other news
Funding awarded to Cumbria Constabulary and University of Leeds for vital rural domestic abuse research
We are pleased to announce that we have been awarded funding alongside the University of Leeds to undertake research into domestic abuse in rural areas.
The research, which is a first of its kind, will help develop a deeper understanding of rural communities and domestic abuse which occurs in these areas.
This research will undoubtedly help improve the service provided to victims.
Read the full story here
Cumbria’s road users are being advised about changes to the Highway Code
The Cumbria Road Safety Partnership are urging locals to read the changes to the Highway code.
The partnership includes members from Cumbria Police, Cumbria County Council and Highways.
On 29 January 2022 eight new rules were introduced, along with 49 updates to existing rules, to better protect more vulnerable road users.
Read the full story here
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Cyber and digital crime unit conduct warrants across Cumbria
Our Cyber and Digital Crime Unit conducted a number of warrants in the past few weeks.
The warrants are as a result of intelligence coming in from a number of agencies, police forces and the public; the intelligence is reviewed and developed by a dedicated unit within the department.
Following this work, search warrants were obtained and executed by specialist detectives within the team.
Read the full story here
Over 100 drivers arrested during drink and drug drive operation
Over 100 drivers were arrested during a drink and drug driving campaign which ran throughout December.
127 people were arrested for drink and drug drive related offences, with officers conducting 450 breath tests and drug wipes.
Our officers work all year round to make our roads safer, unfortunately drivers continue to put the lives of others as well as their own lives at risk of death or serious injury and face the consequences of losing their license, losing their job, going to court and prison.
Read the full story here
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