A Barrow neighbourhood blighted by organised crime will be targeted in a new long-term tactic by a multi-agency partnership,
Cumbria police have rolled out Clear, Hold Build, formulated by the Home Office to tackle serious and organised crime and rebuild neighbourhoods affected by this.
The three-phase initiative, which will be known locally as Happy Hopeful Hindpool will see criminals and their associates targeted and cleared from an area through a persistent police presence and intelligence led operations, all supported by partners and residents.
The strategy will see police pursue criminals using all available powers and tactics to clear and area. The activity is continued to hold the location so that other criminals cannot take control in the vacuum.
Then police and partner agencies will work with resident to build the community back up into a thriving area where people want to live, work and visit – without fear of being exploited by organised crime groups and criminals.
Cumbria police said: “This three-phased approach aims to make it more difficult for criminals and organised crime groups to operate. By disrupting their activity, it will help to protect those living and working in Hindpool, allowing them to reclaim the neighbourhood.
“Our aim is to work with our partners and the residents in Hindpool to listen to their concerns and needs to create long term resilience to crime and help prevent further criminal activity taking place there.
“Police in Barrow will work closely with a number of partner agencies in the area to focus on areas which need targeted activity to remove and disrupt crime groups and individuals. Our partners will also provide support and advice services to all residents, especially those who may struggle to access help and support.
“Planned events will also be held within the community to allow input from residents on how police and partners can best support them.”
Partners involved also include Westmorland and Furness Council, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, The Well, Cumbria Probation Service, local NHS, Women’s Community Matters, Recovery Steps and Family Action.
Chief Inspector Natalie Jukes, said: “This is an important initiative and I’m pleased to be able to launch it in Hindpool.
“Hindpool was chosen as we have seen the damaging effects that a small number of criminals have on the wider community here. Through working with our partner agencies and pooling out efforts to tackle these criminals, not just through enforcement, but by concentrating on providing help and support, we hope to see a long-term reduction in future offending in the area.
“Police in Barrow have already started to address this over the last two three months by carrying out warrants and placing officers on patrol within the community. We have already seen some success through this activity by removing drugs and the proceeds of crime from the area.
” Several people have been arrested and charged and we have recently seen a Barrow drug dealer sentenced to 32 months in prison after he was found with over £3,000 of cocaine following a stop by officers during work on the ‘clear’ phase.
“As part of the work within the community, the task to design the logo and name of the initiative was given to St James’ Junior School. We had some amazing entries, and it was a difficult job to choose a winner, however we settled on our eventual logo designed by Phoebe from Year 5. Well done and thank you for your help!
“Hindpool is a safe place to live, but by focusing our efforts on the area and working with the community to build on the work our partners are already doing, we hope we can improve the safety and positivity in the area.”
