Beat bobbies aiming to win youths' hearts and minds

PC Jill Robertson and PCSO Dan Snell regularly patrol Workington town centre

The BBC goes on patrol with police in a known antisocial behaviour hotspot, discovering how "one cog in a massive machine" aims to connect rather than confront.

"For a member of the public, walking past 50 children can be intimidating," says PC Jill Robertson as she patrols Workington town centre.

She has worked for Cumbria Police for almost 30 years and, as we walk around, shoppers and children wave at her and stop to chat. "It's a small minority that spoils it," she says.

Youths, some as young as 12, gather in the town in large groups and trouble starts when "instigators" want to show off, she explains.

Earlier this month Cumbria Police issued dispersal orders in the town centre amid increased reports of trouble which included children clambering over shop roofs. Several were taken home by officers.

"The dispersal order is quite effective once word gets out and parents are aware," adds PC Robertson.

"It acts as a deterrent."

But while things have calmed down in recent weeks, officers are prepared for issues to escalate during the current half term, with the twin events of Halloween and Bonfire Night around the corner.

Workington is a known hotspot for antisocial behaviour

PCSO Dan Snell says a rise in antisocial behaviour is to be expected when nights get darker, but he believes "winning hearts and minds" is the key to engaging with young people.

"We're both strong believers that it's how you talk to people - I think we're pretty good on the person-to-person side of things," he says.

A group of youths have nicknamed him "PC Viking" because of his appearance and one child made up a rap for PC Robertson.

"When you start talking on a first name basis, you've won a bit - it shows what you're doing is working," PCSO Snell says.

'You've made a difference'

The majority of calls for help come from businesses.

It may start with children sitting on a cafes' outdoor seating area, with bad behaviour escalating when they are asked to move.

Often it is about pushing boundaries, the officers explain, especially when children make the transition from junior school and are first allowed to go out in town with their friends.

"There's also an element of some of them never feeling like they fit in as much," says PCSO Snell.

He says he is not scared when he patrols Workington, but there is a "heightened sense of awareness".

PC Robertson agrees. While knives are not a big problem in Workington, she says it is good to be alert.

There is always a chance someone might be carrying a weapon, so "you can't be blase".

As the town gets busier with shoppers, a woman approaches PCSO Snell to thank him for intervening with an issue in her neighbourhood.

"It's amazing when you get positive feedback," he says.

"In this line of work you can go a long time thinking you're not getting anywhere, the pressure on staff gets higher.

"But once in a blue moon someone will say 'you've made a difference to my quality of life' - it's the crumbs that keep you going."

Temporary Chief Constable Darren Martland says working with the community is vital

Both officers are adamant that antisocial behaviour is not an issue that police are solely responsible for tackling.

"It shouldn't be put on just police," PC Robertson says while noting parents and schools can play a big role.

PCSO Snell says there is a huge pressure on mental health services, education and social funding.

Coupled with the hardship of the cost of living, it can all have an impact on support available.

"People forget that other organisations, even sports coaches, can have a massive impact on young people," he says.

"We're only one cog in a massive machine."

Cumbria Police says antisocial behaviour in the county dropped more than 40% in the year to June 2025.

Temporary Chief Constable Darren Martland says there is "no simple solution", but a visible presence and community trust are key.

"In some respects it is actually going really back to basics - the old bobby on the beat, so to speak," he says.

And he believes the community is on the "police's side".

The force was voted by residents as top in England and Wales for understanding the concerns of locals.

Mr Martland says the force always aims to work on prevention and engagement as a first step, but adds: "If we really need to, we will take enforcement action."