Crime in your area:
The average number of crimes in your neighbourhood over the past three month period (May to July) has risen by over 24% compared with the same period last year. Although at first glance this figure would appear to be a major increase it does in fact only equate to an additional 3 reports of offences being made to Cumbria Police per month, ranging from violence and anti-social beahviour to burglaries.
In the lead up to the Summer months we have seen an increase in the number of sneak-in or distraction burglaries, and thefts across the Whitehaven area. Where opportunist thieves have taken advantage of unlocked doors and open windows. West Cumbria is renowned for its safe, close knit communities and in respect of this we ask that local people look out for their neighbours and report any suspicious activity or individuals to the police immediately.
Crime Prevention:
Surveys and SmartWater
Your local policing team continues to provide FREE domestic crime prevention surveys and SmartWater property marking kits to local homes. The surveys are offered to any resident. To arrange an appointment please contact us directly on 0845 33 00 247 or visit www.cumbria.police.uk for more information.
Neighbourhood Watch
Your local policing team is wishing to increase the work of Neighbourhood Watch around the Whitehaven area. We would like to hear from anyone who would like to become a member of an existing scheme or who would be interested in becoming a coordinator and assist in establishing and progressing a scheme in their area. For further information on how to set up or become a member of an existing scheme please contact your local officers for more details.
Community Events:
Beach Day: On Thursday 26th August, Whitehaven Police with assistance from North Copeland Youth Partnership held a beach day on Parton foreshore. The event was a great success and well attended by over 35 children (aged 5-16). Children had the opportunity to take part in an introduction to sea fishing and environmental issues ran by staff from Rod 'N' Reel. HM Coastguard and Cumbria Sea Fisheries were on hand to show them the vehicles and equipment that they use, and even found time to take some children rock pooling. thanks have to be expressed to NCYP who ran a session on beach art and provided an excellent BBQ at the end of the day.
North Copeland Youth Partnership is open children (aged 8 years or over) from the local area. The group meet on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings (term-time) with special events/activities throughout the holiday seasons. If anyone is interested in becoming a member or volunteering their services as a helper, please contact Valda Young or Claire Heskett on 01946 592166.
Area issues:
Bransty
Bransty Legion: Concern has been expressed about youth disorder and underage drinking in this area, causing damage to the vacant property. Whitehaven Police will be working closely with the owners to address this issue and deal positively with any offenders.
Parton
Distraction Burglaries: It was recently reported to police that an elderly couple from the village were the unfortunate victims of a callous distraction burglary, where two men pretended to be working on a kitchen further down the road and wanted access to the couple's home to "TEST THE WATER". Once inside the property one male kept the couple occupied turning taps on and off while the second made a search of the house stealing a large amount of cash.
The first male has been described as between 20-23 years of age, short in height and of slim build, with slightly prominent teeth. The second male is older around 40 years with a darker complexion. Both were wearing blue overalls and baseball caps, and were possibly later seen getting into a silver Ford Fiesta style car.
It has since come to light that these individuals have carried out an identical crime the same day in the Harrington area of Workington, again stealing a large sum of money. Police are appealing for anyone who may have information as to the identity of these two males to contact Cumbria Police on 0845 33 00 247 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
For further information on how to prevent this type of crime please contact your local community officer. Alternatively, organisations such as the Home Office and Age Concern can provide advice leaflets about this issue; also most utility companies i.e. British Gas also operate a password scheme in addition to their staff having to show you ID.
ALWAYS REMEMBER. IF IN DOUBT, KEEP THEM OUT!!!
Lowca
Beach: We have had reports of fly-tipping on the foreshore at Parton & Lowca, the main area affected appears to be near the access road to Lowca beach. We ask that local residents be extra vigilant and report any instances of fly-tipping to Cumbria Police or directly to Copeland Borough Council with as much information as possible i.e. description of offender(s), vehicle details.
Other issues:
Anti-social behaviour – Drugs
Whitehaven NPT takes a robust approach against drug supply and possession. We continue to target known users and suppliers positively. This is not only criminal activity but it is also anti-social behaviour. We urge local residents to contact us with any information to help us tackle this problem further. You can contact us by phone on the above number or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.