Carlisle Summer Splash events help reduce antisocial behaviour

[A] number of events held over the summer for Cumbrian children has resulted in a decrease in the number of antisocial incidents occurring in the Carlisle area.

Police, along with a number of partner agencies, held an initiative called The Summer Splash which offered children the chance to take part in a number of events and reduce the risk of them getting caught up in any antisocial behaviour this summer.

The events led to a 19% decrease in youth-related antisocial behaviour in the east area of Carlisle and a 44% reduction in the number of incidents in the west of the city compared to the same period in 2016.

Over 1,400 children attended events held at Hammond’s Pond, Melbourne Park, Petteril Bank, Heysham Park, Chances Park, Botcherby, Brampton and Longtown.

Sergeant Chris Blain, North Cumbria Problem Solving Supervisor, said: “It is very encouraging to see that we have had a reduction in youth-related ASB. Our teams have worked in partnership with a number of partners over the summer in an attempt to reduce such behaviour.

“The Summer Splash initiative has provided a positive fun experience for young people in a safe environment. We will be working hard with our partners to ensure we can bring a similar activity next year. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Police & Crime Commissioner Peter McCall, Fiona Sheridan from The Rock Youth Project, Tim Linford from the YMCA and all the volunteers and youth workers who worked tirelessly to provide the events.

“Antisocial behaviour can have damaging impact on communities and we will continue to tackle such behaviours in order to improve the quality of life for local people.”

Fiona Sheridan, Project Manager at The Rock Youth Project, said: “Although The Rock was the lead agency for these events, it was only by working in partnership with other youth and community projects that we were able to make this a success.

“All the children and young people enjoyed the summer provision and it was good for them to have positive activities for them to get involved with.”

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall said: “This is great. I am really pleased to hear that the Summer Splash project has made a real difference to these communities. One of the reasons that I wanted to fund this initiative was that I am a firm believer that tackling crime and antisocial behaviour is not just about policing, we all have a part to play, and this is a good example of what can be achieved when we all work together. Thanks to all of those involved in delivering the sessions making this project a great success.”

The agencies involved were: