''Cop In A Shop''
Police and PCSO's will be available in The Lanes shopping centre on Monday 5th December (times to be confirmed)to give Burglary prevention advice and to speak to you about any local issues you may have.
As the dark nights are fast approaching we would urge all residents to review their home security. A spate of recent burglaries have nealy all been opportunist where entry has been gained via an insecurity to a house or shed. Regularly reviewing your security can prevent this. Please consider the following actions:-
1. Fit burglar alarms and good outside security lighting, check regularly to ensure they work.
2. Lock all windows and doors before you go out.
3. Remove keys from locks and keep out of reach of windows and doors.
4. Ensure your house is secure, even when you are in the house or garden.
5. Ensure side gates and sheds are locked.
6. Keep valuables safe and well hidden
7. Postcode your valuables with a UV pen
8. Leave a light on and draw the curtains if you go out at night.
9. Look out for your neighbours property
10. Consider joining a Neighbourhood watch scheme.
11.Cancel newspapers, milk etc when you go on holiday.
12. Make sure callers to your home are genuine, always ask for ID
Drugs
We are continuing to target the use of illegal drugs both during the daytime and nighttime. It is planned to carry out more operations using the forces passive drugs dog. Drug use in the City Centre will not be tolerated and there is a zero tolerence approach to drug use.
On the evening of Saturday 26th November 2011 we carried out a drugs operation paying particular attention to the Botchergate area. With the assistance of extra officers and a Cumbria Police passive drugs dog, 3 people were dealt with, 2 for cocaine and 1 for cannabis.
Street Drinkers
Our operation to issue dispersal notices in connection with alcohol related anti-social behaviour (ASB) has been extremely successful. In total since June, approx 93 dispersal notices have been issued in the areas of Botchergate and Court Square. There are now few homeless people sitting in the Court Square area begging and drinking alcohol.
Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)
We continue to work closely with shops who sell alcohol in Carlisle city centre. There have been a number of occasions where groups of young people found with large quantities of alcohol have been involved in anti-social behaviour. This can be disruptive to the general public and can have consequences involving the health and well being of young children. We would advise anyone who is approached by a young person asking them to purchase alcohol on their behalf, not to become involved. Anyone seen supplying alcohol to anyone under the aged of 18 years could face prosecution.
Street Safety
With Autumn creeping up and the nights drawing in, its time to think about your own personal safety on the streets. Keep to well lit popular footpaths. Think about your safety when walking wearing headphones to listen to your music, and texting or talking on your mobile phone. You are less aware of who is following you and can become easily distracted, catching you off guard. It can be a good idea if you are going for a night out, to tell someone which way you intend to walk home if you are on your own. It would be sensible to arrange a taxi home.
Purse Theft Snowball Activation Scheme
Over the last year or 2 we have had spates of thefts of purses within the City Centre. The offender(s) have paid particular attention to elderly people visiting charity shops. It is thought this may be because elderly people can be more vulnerable and are seen as an easy target. PCSO 5213 Eilbeck has started a Snowball activation scheme. This scheme allows one charity shop to be contacted by all other charity shops if they have someone suspicious in the premises. That shop will then contact all the other shops one by one down a list so that they all know who to look out for in a very short period of time allowing all staff to be vigilant in an effort to catch that person. Anyone wanting a purse alarm can get them from Durranhill police station. These cost as little as £1 and are extremely effective and easy to use.
Speeding Cars
There have been a few complaints regarding cars speeding along English Damside in particular on Friday and Saturday nights. In response to this, we will be starting a speed radar check on the evening of Friday 7th October 2011 and several other checks will follow.
Tips for staying safe in the City Centre
1. Place valuables in a bag or front pocket that you can secure, rather than leaving phones or wallets in your back pocket.
2. Keep bags, coats and other personal belongings with you in cafes, bars and restaurants. Do not leave them unattended.
3. Do not leave drinks unattended in clubs and bars.
4. Cover your PIN number when using ATMs or paying in bars and clubs.
5. Watch of people trying to distract you if you are using an ATM