'Hotspot' patrols to tackle violent crime

Extra police patrols will be in place in areas such as Barrow and Maryport

Police will be carrying out extra patrols in 18 hotspots as part of a crackdown on violent crime.

Cumbria Police will target those carrying out anti-social behaviour, including criminal damage and drug offences, as well as more serious crimes such as arson, robbery and sexual assault.

The scheme has been launched using an additional £1m the force secured from the government.

Ch Supt Mick Bird said the extra patrols would stop violence "before it starts".

"Not only will these officers be a visible deterrent, but they will also be in position to take swift and decisive action if any incidents occur in their locality," he said.

'Huge impact'

The force will be working with Cumberland Council, Westmorland and Furness Council and Local Focus Hub partners to identify anti-social behaviour.

Cumberland executive member Denise Rollo said anti-social behaviour could have a "huge impact on people’s lives" as well as on businesses.

"If left unchecked, it can have a serious adverse effect on individuals, communities, and the environment," she said.

The public has been urged to contact the police to report anti-social behaviour.

The increased patrols have begun and will continue until at least the end of March 2025, the force said.

The 18 hotspots, identified using four years' worth of data and police reports, are:

• Hindpool

• Salthouse

• Barrow Town Centre

• Barrow Island

• Workington Town Centre

• Maryport Town Centre

• Maryport South

• Whitehaven Town Centre

• Cleator Moor

• Botchergate

• Carlisle City Centre

• Grey Street/Fusehill Street

• Dowbeck

• Raffles Avenue/Shadygrove Road, Carlisle

• Penrith Town and New Square

• Kendal Town Centre

• Ulverston Town Centre

• Bowness-on-Windermere