Cumbria’s Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) have received specialist crime prevention training aimed at helping people to protect themselves and their property. The training has been funded by Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall and includes bespoke advice for rural communities.
Despite the restrictions under COVID-19 PCSOs are actively engaged in their communities providing the specialist advice in a range of different formats. A key focus for the PCSOs has been rural crime and helping to ‘target-harden’ the rural areas. People are encouraged to contact their local PCSO if they feel that they would benefit from the advice.
Peter McCall comments: “Our PCSOs work closely with local communities and this training allows them to focus on community safety.
“Community crime prevention is vital, and I am encouraged that our PCSOs have achieved this Level 3 qualification. Anyone who feels at risk of becoming a victim of crime, should contact their local PCSO for support.”
T/Chief Superintendent Rob O’Connor, Cumbria Constabulary, said: “The work of PCSOs in supporting our communities with issues of antisocial behaviour, crime prevention and quality of life is important to the policing service we provide.
“This accreditation will further enhance the knowledge and skills of our PCSOs, which in turn will have a positive effect on the local areas they serve.”
PCSO Karen Dakin, Eden Local Focus Team, said: “The training for the Level 3 award provided myself and my colleagues with updated understanding of how we can further work with our partner agencies to support people within our communities.
“Of particular note, was the emphasis placed on crime prevention for rural areas. A key aspect of our role is to support rural communities and provide them with practical prevention advice to reduce their chances of being a victim of crime.
“The learning and experience gained through this training was really beneficial and I am sure this will have a positive effect to how we engage with public and the effectiveness of the advice we provide.”
National Farmers Union Cumbria County Chairman, Ian Bowness, said: “Making sure Cumbrian farmers are no longer a primary target for thieves is a priority for my membership organisation and why we’ve launched our Lock it or Lose it campaign.
“Free crime prevention surveys on farms, delivered by specially trained Police Community Support Officers, are an integral part of our campaign.
“This would not have been possible without the training funded by Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall and on behalf of the farming community I’d like to thank him for his continued support.”
If you wish to report a crime or would like to speak with your local PCSO please contact Cumbria Constabulary by calling 101, emailing [email protected] and in an emergency always dial 999.
