Anti-social behaviour in a West Cumbrian town has almost halved over the last 12 months, latest figures show.
Cumbria police said work carried out by Cleator Moor’s PCSO Holly Huck, supporting community beat officer Sarah Pickering-Smith and the Copeland Neighbourhood Policing Team, was responsible for the drop.
In the second half of 2022 there was a 44 per cent reduction in incidents involving youngsters – with 25 recorded, down from 45 in the same period of 2021.
There was also a 30 per cent reduction in arson and criminal damage compared to the previous year.
Work by PCSO Huck was prompted by a meeting in June 2022 and priorities were identified.
Some of the work carried out included:
- A test purchase operation targeting alcohol and vape products being sold to young people. One store failed and will received further action.
- Following the misuse of 999 calls at a telephone kiosk in the Square we liaised with BT and identified the youth who was referred to the Youth Offending service.
- Police targeted off-road bikes and vehicles causing issues in the area which has resulted in vehicles being seized for anti-social use.
- Foot patrols by officers across the town
- A police desk set up in the Co-op
PCSO Huck also visited schools and youth clubs with PC Pickering Smith to build relationships and PCSO Huck also organised a competition for youngsters to create posters highlighting the impact of anti-social behaviour.
Inspector Richard Smillie, of Copeland Neighbourhood Policing Team, said “Since the meeting and the actions taken following the increase of anti-social behaviour incidents in Cleator Moor, we have seen a decrease in reports.
“We did see an expected rise during Halloween and Bonfire Night were we usually see an increase in the number of calls for service in relation to anti-social behaviour.
“These aren’t just quick fixes. We have aimed to create long term solutions and pushed early intervention to prevent young people from being involved in any further criminality in the area.
“We know this type of crime can have a detrimental effect on individuals and the community and would encourage everyone to report any incidents to us and our partners.”
Steve Richardson, clerk of Cleator Moor Town Council, said: “Since the meeting it is clear to see that incidents of anti-social behaviour in and around the town centre, which did appear to be the hub of a lot of the incidents, has reduced significantly.
“I also think the police being visible in the town both on walkabouts and at the police desk in the Co-op foyer are having an effect.
“Overall, this is very positive and good to see for the whole town. I also believe that this influences residents who may previously have been reluctant to report incidents because ‘nothing ever happens’, seeing the results will I’m sure change this opinion.”
