A high proportion of acquisitive crime is committed by offenders under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Drug or Alcohol Assisted Rape

Like any other police force, Cumbria Constabulary will receive a number of reports each year from people who suggest their drinks may have been "spiked" with either drugs or alcohol.

In some cases, the victims have suffered memory loss and believe they may have been sexually assaulted.

While such reported incidents in Cumbria are rare, the constabulary provides the following advice:

• never accept drinks from a stranger
• don’t share or exchange drinks
• never leave your drink unattended
• don’t just assume that a friend is drunk – get them home safely.

If you know of anyone who may be responsible for spiking drinks with the intention to commit assault, contact police or ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Alcohol crimes

The links between alcohol and violence are well established. Alcohol is widely used in the UK and most people consume alcohol socially and moderately without offending. However, drinking large amounts of alcohol in short periods of time may result in criminal and / or anti-social behaviour.

Facts about the issue:

• Violent crime throughout the County is on the increase
• Throughout Cumbria, on average;
• Forty (40%) of alcohol related incidents take place in the city centre 
• Again 40% of incidents occur on a Saturday or Sunday
• 50% of offenders are aged 25 or under
• The vast majority of victims (around 60%) are aged between 16 & 35 years
• The majority of crimes recorded are of a less serious nature
• The detection rate for more serious violent crime is very high
• Violent crime is a priority for all Support Groups throughout the County

What we are doing

The message we are sending out loud and clear to drunken louts is very simple and will hit them in their pockets; Get drunk and disorderly, and it will cost you either an £80 on the spot fine or an arrest and fine. Policing operations are planned throughout Cumbria over the Christmas and New Year periods. We know that a co-ordinated blitz delivers real results in tackling underage and binge drinking and alcohol-fuelled disorder.

 Cumbria Police are targeting behaviour which is not just irresponsible but is also illegal. Pubs, clubs, shops, off-licences and supermarkets who sell alcohol to kids or drunk people, are breaking the law and must stop or face the consequences. Local Authorities and Trading Standards, are key players in tackling these issues.

West Cumbria CDRP have been promoting the Nightsafe initiative. Nightsafe was created to help reduce alcohol related violent crime by changing the drinking behaviour amongst the primary target audience : 18 – 24 year old males. The strategy behind the campaign is based on what young men fear most – rejection and being made to look foolish in front of others.

Prevention advice:

Alcohol breaks down barriers and can lead to individuals acting out of character. This is no excuse in a court of law. Keep within your limits – STAY IN CONTROL.

• Don’t engage in drinking games – you’ll soon lose control.
• Don’t loiter around Town Centres after leaving Pubs and Clubs.
• Use Public transport to get home – buses, taxis and trains. Better still, take it in turns not to drink at all, and give lifts home.
• Don’t engage in ‘spirited banter’ with unknown individuals or groups when under the influence. What starts as a laugh, can get out of hand.