A word from your local sergeant
You may have noticed we didn't issue a newsletter at the start of September, this means for the this edition we have included activity over August and September.
In this newsletter you will see we are continuing to be out and about in the community, during the summer holidays we attended a number of summer activities to engage with young people.
Now that the new school term has started, we are back conducting educational sessions in schools to help keep our young people safe.
Following a small number of break-ins in Kells and Woodhouse, we are also reminding people to take steps to protect their property. Please take a look at steps we mention in the newsletter which can help protect your home. These steps can be as simple as making sure you lock all your windows and doors.
Sergeant Dave MacDonald
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Disused building
We are aware of young people entering a disused building known as the Mansion locally.
We located 13 young people inside the building who were given strong words of advice about the safety of the building and sent away from the area.
We will also be sending 'It's Your Choice' forms to the parents of the young people located to inform them that their child has been involved in anti-social behaviour.
'It's Your Choice' is an intervention scheme which aims to educate young people on the consequences of their anti-social behaviour and the wider impact this has on other people. The submission of these forms result in a letter being sent to parents and are subject of increasing scrutiny should a young person reoffend.
We are also working with partner agencies to secure the property.
Charges made following misuse of drugs warrant in Whitehaven
Viet Nguyeen, 30, and Su Van Guuyen, 27, were both charged with producing a Class B controlled drug – cannabis and being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug of Class B – cannabis.
The warrant was carried out at a property on Market Place.
Both are of no fixed abode have bee remanded in custody and are due to appear at Carlisle Crown Court on 14 October 2022.
Test purchase operation
We conducted a test purchase operation in Whitehaven targeting the selling of alcohol and vapes to young people.
We are pleased to report the six stores tested passed and challenged the young person attempting to buy these items.
Officers will continue to be proactive in responding to concerns of residents and urge stores to always challenge for ID when they suspect a person, under the legal age, is attempting to purchase alcohol or vapes.
Vehicles contravening traffic signs
We have received reports of vehicles driving down King Street, Whitehaven, again contravening the traffic signs and vehicles parked on the pavements and causing an obstruction.
Positive action has been taken and will continue to be taken with offending vehicles being issued with fixed penalty notices for the offence of unnecessary obstruction and contravening traffic signs.
Please keep this in mind when parking your vehicle in the town centre.
If you are a blue badge holder and are exempt from some restriction, you still need to park appropriately and not obstruct the highway, including pavements.
Home security
We have had a small number of reports of burglary in the Kells and Woodhouse area.
We would like to remind people their are steps that can be taken to protect your home and property, and ensure they aren’t seen as an easy target by would-be thieves.
Before you go out, please consider taking these steps:
- Close and lock all your doors and windows, even if you’re only going out for a few minutes
- Double-lock any door
- Make sure that any valuables are out of sight
- Keep handbags away from the letterbox or cat flap and hide all keys including car keys, as a thief could hook keys or valuables through even a small opening
- Never leave car documents or ID in obvious places such as kitchens or hallways
- In the evening, shut the curtains and leave lights on
- If you’re out all day, then it’s advisable to use a timer device to automatically turn lights and a radio on at night
- Set your burglar alarm
- Make sure the side gate is locked
- Lock your shed or garage
- Lock your bike inside a secure shed or garage, to a robust fitting bolted to the ground or wall, like a ground anchor
- If you see anyone acting suspicious or have any information about thieves operating in your area, contact the police today.
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Online presentation
PCSO Mark Fishpool has been back in schools as they return from the summer holidays to conduct an online safety presentation at Distington Community School.
The presentation was given to pupils in years 4, 5 and 6.
The talk related to how to keep themselves safe as well as the dangers of posting harmful content.
Community engagement
PCSOs Hollie Huck and Mark Fishpool attended Always Another Way, which is a project for 11 to 25-year-olds and their families which allows a safe space to be yourself, find information and advice, build confidence and meet others.
They do planned activities like banner-making (pictured) in the session and have guest speakers.
It is a great place to find LGBTQ+ support. The sessions are held weekly.
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Station visits
PCSOs Mark Fishpool and Simon Kane hosted two visits to Whitehaven Police Station for the Bee Unique Autism charity.
Families were able to learn more about the role of the police, have a look at the cells and police vehicles. As well as try on police uniform and take their own fingerprints.
South Whitehaven Youth Partnership
PCs Gail Buchanan and Andrea Hobbs attended St Benedict's Rugby Club in Mirehouse on Wednesday 10th August to meet some of the kids and staff from the South Whitehaven Youth Partnership.
What a great bunch and a brilliant summer holiday activity!!
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Talk & Tidy at Parton
PC Andrea Hobbs joined in a Talk n Tidy event on 25 August in Paton along side Copeland Council, CADAS and Homegroup.
The event provides communities an opportunity to speak with agencies as well as tidying up their community by picking litter.
Whitehaven Fire Station
We attended Whitehaven Fire Station and chatted with a number of 13-16 year olds who have been involved this week in a four day course at the station.
The young people have really enjoyed learning about a number of subjects including practical skills.
We have a number of budding young firefighters!
New term school visit
On 22 September, PCSOs Simon Kane and Mark Fishpool visited Moor Row Community Primary School as they started their new new term.
The did a meet and greet all pupils building links with the children and planning future educational inputs around Halloween and Bonfire night safety.
Autumn is here… 🍂🌚
As we head into Autumn and darker nights, we wanted to remind our communities of steps they can take to keep themselves and others safe.
- Wear appropriate clothing for darker nights, consider bright clothes and reflectors so you can be seen.
- Cyclist and runners also make sure you have bright clothing and lights so you can been seen.
- Check your vehicle is in good working order
Following the summer holidays, we will be back in schools and conducing talks around safety.
We would also encourage the public to continue to report anti-social behaviour as this is the best way to direct resources to the right areas to combat these incidents.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Join us!
Have you ever thought about being a police officer?
Could you be make a real difference to people in Cumbria and help keep them safe?
Recruitment is open now. We are looking for enthusiastic and dedicated people to apply now to join our teams.
 For more information on the role of a police officer and the numerous entry routes, please visit www.cumbria.police.uk/careers.
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
Tribute paid to HM Queen Elizabeth II
We were deeply saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
A tribute was issued following the news of her death, which can be viewed here.
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Cumbria Constabulary instate dedicated Violence Against Women and Girls Detective Inspector
Cumbria Constabulary have instated a dedicated operational Violence Against Women and Girls Detective Inspector. The creation of this specialist post is the Constabulary’s next proactive step towards eradicating violence against women and girls in the county. Read more here.
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Cumbria Police highlight exploitation of vulnerable individuals forced into sex work
Cumbria police are working with partners to highlight ongoing work regarding the safeguarding of victims forced into sex work and the pursuit of offenders exploiting them. The work, which is ongoing, is aimed at raising awareness of this area of crime and to encourage the reporting of information. Read more here.
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