Hotspot policing is in operation in Penrith Town Centre and New Square as part of Operation Enhance – Cumbria Police’s crackdown on anti-social behaviour and serious violence by the means of extra police patrols.
Eden NPT’s drop-in centre, located within the hotspot area, in Devonshire Arcade, has been running since August and has had over 10 regular sessions held since it opened. As well as a place for residents to meet local officers and raise concerns, the drop in centre also provides a visible policing presence within hotspot area to deter and prevent any ASB and serious violent offending.
Alongside the hotspot patrols, PCSO Mark Robson has been visiting local schools in the area to talk about reported ASB issues and providing hotspot policing during peak hours.
In the Kendal and Eden area, during the first three months of the operation, hotspot patrol officers have made 4 arrests, and made 19 stop searches. In addition to this they have received more than 50 intelligence submissions from the public.
Eden NPT Inspector Mo Bibby said: “Penrith Town Centre and New Square are busy parts of our town and by using hotspot patrols we are able to prevent and reduce ASB and crime.
“A recent success has seen us work alongside our Child Centred Policing Team colleagues and the Youth Offending Service, in relation to two youth ASB nominals in the area. Since our positive enforcement no further offences have been committed.
“We know our hotspot patrols are making a difference and we will continue to carry out patrols in areas within our communities where we know crime or anti-social behaviour is taking place.”
To further tackle persistent ASB issues in the town, the Eden NPT have secured an anti-social behaviour injunction (ASBI) against Harvey Sadik, 18, of Greystone Park, Penrith. On 12 September Sadik was sentenced to 34 days in prison after breaching a previously imposed ASBI. His injunction was also extended for another year.
The civil injunction order imposed by the courts forbids Sadik from:
- Using or threatening to use violence towards any person either by himself or encouraging any person to do so
- Engaging in any conduct which causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to any person either by himself or encouraging any person to do so
- Being under the influence of alcohol or drug in a public place.
This order shall remain in place until 15 September 2025.
Inspector Bibby continued: “Extensive work was carried out by the Eden Neighbourhood Policing Team to achieve this civil injunction which will prevent further violent and anti-social behaviour carried out by this individual.
“The injunction carries a power of arrest. This helps us manage behaviour more effectively and the courts have greater powers to sentence should a breach occur.
“Eden NPT will continue to proactively target those who cause disorder and nuisance in our communities.”
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “The extra £1m from the Home Office has allowed us to tackle anti-social behaviour and serious violence in our 18 hotspots areas that are most likely to experience these crime types through extra policing patrols.
“Tackling anti-social behaviour is one of my key priorities, as a result I am dedicated to ensuring that we see a reduction across the county.
“As well as having a regular public presence, Eden Police have been able to take action against a regular offender which is a positive outcome for Penrith.
“Tackling crime is the priority but I also want to see the wider effects less crime has in our communities. I want our residents and visitors to our county to feel safer, see less criminal or nuisance behaviour and have increasing trust in their Policing services. I hope Eden residents feel reassured that we are listening to them and that the police are out and about tackling crime.
“If you live in one of the Hotspots – which you can find on the Cumbria Police website – and have or haven’t seen a difference, please let me know at commissioner@cumbria-pcc.gov.uk. I am your voice in Policing and I really do want to hear your views.”
Operation Enhance is funded after Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner secured an additional £1m of extra funding from the Government’s Hotspot Response Fund to target anti-social behaviour (ASB) and serious violence in hotspot areas across the county.
Further information on the operation can be found here - Op Enhance | Cumbria Police