Operation Enhance sees extra police patrols in areas identified as hotspots for anti-social behaviour and serious violence.
18 areas identified by statistical analysis as the county’s hotspot areas of anti-social behaviour and serious violence, are being targeted.
Areas include parts of Carlisle, Barrow, Workington, Whitehaven, Kendal, Penrith, Maryport, Cleator Moor, Ulverston, and Bowness-on-Windermere.
As of the end of January, these 18 hotspot areas have seen an average reduction in anti-social behaviour of more than 36 per cent.
Chief Superintendent Andy Wilkinson said: “The high-visibility hotspot patrols continue to coincide with significant reductions in anti-social behaviour across almost all of the 18 areas.
“Tackling anti-social behaviour and serious violence are top priorities for the Constabulary and will remain top priorities going forward.
“As we approach the end-point for the funding for the operation, we will be looking at the legacy of Operation Enhance and what we can do to ensure the gains which have been made since summer 2024 are built upon.”
As part of Operation Enhance, officers conduct high-visibility patrols aimed at deterring anti-social behaviour and serious violence before incidents occur.
However, the officers are also available to respond to incidents and calls to service in their locality, should they occur.
In January, Operation Enhance officers, whilst on extra patrols, made four arrests and conducted 17 stop and searches, as well as reporting five traffic offences.
One of the arrests made was of a man wanted for recall to prison who was spotted on the street by officers on patrol.
The man made off but was chased down and arrested.
Ch Supt Wilkinson said: “Our data is showing the operation is having an impact on the ground in reducing anti-social behaviour and serious violence.
“Our officers conducting these patrols are also receiving positive feedback from members of the public regularly.
“However, as important is people’s own impression of the situation and whether they feel safer in their community.
“So I would encourage people to complete the online anti-social behaviour survey we are currently undertaking, so they can let us know their views.”
David Allen, Cumbria’s police, fire and crime commissioner, said: “These hotspots cover only 2.73km2 of Cumbria but equated for 23.1 per cent of all anti-social behaviour in the county.
“A reduction in ASB by 36 per cent across all 18 hotspots is a fantastic improvement.
“The extra patrols have had a serious impact on ASB since this operation began in July 2024.
“The aim of Operation Enhance is to make our communities safer from anti-social behaviour and serious violence and the results clearly highlight that we are making a difference.
“However, we want to hear from those living in these hotspots to find out if residents feel safer and are seeing a difference so I would highly encourage them to fill out the survey or contact me at commissioner@cumbria-pcc.gov.uk.
“I am your voice in policing – I want to hear your views.”
As part of the operation, the public is encouraged to report antisocial behaviour by visiting the constabulary’s website or calling the non-emergency number 101.
In an emergency always call 999.
Information and intelligence from the public is vital so we can work together to tackle issues in their communities.
