The introduction of a specialist police officer role in Penrith has seen anti-social behaviour incidents drop by 15.7 per cent, according to the Office for Cumbria Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.
PC Stewart Green took on the role of Community Beat Officer for Penrith town centre in July, and nuisance anti-social behaviour has dropped dramatically, it said.
Mike Johnson, deputy police, fire and crime commissioner, went out on patrol with PC Green, who has been the problem solver for Eden since 2019, to hear more about his work in Penrith and see where the reported anti-social behaviour has taken place.
Mr Johnson said: “Cumbria is one of the safest counties in the country and I am determined to see it remain as such.
“The public continuously raise their desire to see more officers on our streets, which I fully understand. The introduction of community beat officers provides a dedicated, named officer for an area, to help with any concerns raised by residents.
“Having dedicated officers deployed from local areas can only be a good thing. Becoming a victim of anti-social behaviour can be an extremely distressing and upsetting experience. If left unchecked, it can ruin people’s lives and devastate communities.
“This is why it is vital, that our community beat officers establish relationships, build trust with local residents and the wider community, so that we can all help in fighting crime together and keeping our communities free of crime.
“Antisocial behaviour is unacceptable, and the police take all reports seriously.”
Insp Mo Bibby said: “Community beat officers, like PC Green, are dedicated, locally based officers who are focused on understanding and tackling local issues to reduce crime, including anti-social behaviour.
“We know having that visible presence in the town is key to reducing the number of incidents and continue to add hotspot areas into patrol plans.”
