Reports of youth-related anti-social behaviour have dropped significantly in Carlisle city centre following measures brought in to tackle the issue, Cumbria police said.
Carlisle’s Neighbourhood Police Team has been working with partners – as part of the Carlisle Local Focus Hub – to reduce problems in the heart of the city following concerns from the public and business staff in recent months.
Between December 1 and January 31 there were 110 incidents of anti-social behaviour and youth disorder reported in the city centre and Botchergate areas.
Between February 1 and March 30 there were 76 incidents.
Part of the response involved the identification of several suspects believed to be involved in trouble.
Measures taken include arrests and interviews and young people being referred to north Cumbria’s child-centred policing team.
The officers in this specialist unit have been working with parents of the young people and the youths themselves to address the problems.
It was apparent many of the parents were unaware of their child’s behaviour and have since engaged with the process and been supportive of the actions.
Inspector Mike Taylor said: “We would like to thank the members of the public, retail workers and partners who have taken the time to report these incidents, taking a stand against this type of behaviour.
“We have also been working with communities from outside of the city, this is because large numbers of young people have been travelling to gather in Carlisle, becoming involved in crime and anti-social behaviour.”
Other measures include officers working closely with schools, addressing the issues and providing talks to pupils on the damaging effects of anti-social behaviour.
Carlisle’s Neighbourhood Police Team have also increased the number of officers and PCSOs dedicated to patrolling the city centre.
Inspector Taylor added: “Since the introduction of these measures, reports of this type of behaviour have reduced significantly, making Carlisle city centre a more peaceful and enjoyable place for those who live, work and visit.
“However, we cannot and will not be complacent – and would encourage the public to continue to report issues of crime and anti-social behaviour in the city centre.”
A spokesperson for Carlisle City Council said: “We are fully supportive of the current work and where necessary are assisting the police and partners by using legislation under the public spaces protection order and community protection notices.
“We want to ensure Carlisle is a safe and welcoming place to visit. We have also set aside £20,000 in our budget to address anti-social behaviour in the city centre.
“Work is underway to develop actions via the Local Focus Hub, working with Cumbria police and businesses associated with retail, catering and the night time economy. ”
Mark Nott, Shopping Centre Manager at The Lanes, is one of those contributing to a working group where partners discuss such issues.
He said: “As a group we recognised anti-social behaviour and crime within the city centre, we agreed to work more collaboratively and focused our resources.
“I’m pleased to say that I’ve seen an improvement thus far and we continue to progress making Carlisle a safer place for our customers and visitors.”
John Nugent, Business Crime Liaison Officer, works with the Business Crime Reduction Partnership in Carlisle.
He said: “The issues that were occurring have significantly reduced due to the joined-up partnership working from all partners to identify offenders involved in a number of incidents. This is leading to positive outcomes.”
