Thought for the Week

“Love is life. And if you miss love, you miss life.” Leo F. Buscaglia

Crime continues to fall in Cumbria - annual figures released

Police statistics for the 2010/11 financial year have revealed that crime continues to fall in Cumbria.

The number of incidents reported to Cumbria Police fell from 28,233 in 09/10 to 27,103 in 10/11, a drop of four per cent, representing 1,130 fewer victims of crime.

Tackling antisocial behaviour was the top priority for communities across Cumbria, and the annual statistics reveal that incidents of this nature fell by 11.4 per cent – from 37,157 reported incidents in 09/10 to 32,936 in 10/11.

The statistics also confirm that reports of burglary are down by 13.5 per cent, from 772 to 668, giving Cumbria some of the lowest rates of burglary in the UK. Criminal damage is down by 6.7 per cent, from 7,426 to 6,925; vehicle crime is down by 13 per cent, from 1,796 to 1,563; violent crime is down by 3.6 per cent, from 7,027 to 6,771; and hate crime is down by 15.3 per cent, from 248 to 210.

Reports of domestic violence increased from 5,597 in 09/10 to 6,455 in 10/11, as did the number of violent sexual crimes, which rose from 267 reported crimes in 09/10 to 301 in 10/11. Cumbria still has some of the lowest incidents of serious and sexual crime in the whole of the UK and the rise follows a concerted effort by police and partner agencies to encourage victims to make the first step by reporting incidents to the authorities.

The number of serious violent crimes reported to police rose from 210 in 09/10 to 263 in 10/11, which is mainly due to the West Cumbria Shootings where, tragically, so many individual crimes were linked to one major incident.

Chief Constable Craig Mackey said: “I am pleased with our performance over the last twelve months and happy that crime remains low in Cumbria.

“Tackling antisocial behaviour is the top priority for local communities, so a fall of eleven per cent in this category is particularly pleasing. We will continue to work closely with local residents and partner agencies to focus on the issues and concerns that matter most in each community. Our low rates of burglary also highlight what a safe place Cumbria is.

“An additional 34 serious sexual crimes were reported to police in the county last year, and there was an increase in the number of domestic violence incidents. On the one hand it is encouraging to know that victims have the confidence to report incidents of this nature to police, on the other we now have to increase our efforts to support these victims and to prevent similar crime in the future.

“The challenge for Cumbria Constabulary now is to maintain low rates of crime in a difficult financial climate. We will do everything we can to minimise the affect of budget cuts on frontline policing, and will continue to work closely with local communities to make Cumbria safer.”

Ray Cole, the Chairman of Cumbria Police Authority, the policing ‘watchdog’ for Cumbria, said: “The Police Authority commends the Constabulary’s continued high level of performance over the last twelve months. We welcome the considerable reductions in antisocial behaviour incidents, burglaries and other types of crime, which we know are of great concern to local communities. The Authority supports the Constabulary’s work to encourage people to come forward to report sexual assaults and domestic violence. We have scrutinised this closely over the past year and are satisfied that the right action is being taken to support victims and prevent these crimes in the future.

“In a changing financial climate we face some challenging decisions in order to maintain such a high level of performance.”

Green Heart Den - Urban Oasis: Management Committee invitation

Green Heart Den - Urban Oasis: Management Committee invitation: "Due to recent changes in membership, Marsh Street Arches and Garden CIC are now looking to recruit new Management Committee Members. Are yo..."

Police crack down on metal theft in South Cumbria

Police in South Cumbria yesterday took part in a ‘day of action’ against metal theft along with neighbouring forces, North Yorkshire and Lancashire and officers from British Transport Police.

After 94 metal thefts were reported to police in the south of the county over the last five months (from 1 Jan 2011 – 24 May 2011), totalling a massive £85,000, police officers launched a dedicated 24 hour Operation to deter offenders and raise awareness of the issue.

Police across Cumbria, Lancashire and North Yorkshire dedicated resources to the joint Operation and in South Cumbria, officers conducted surprise visits to scrap metal dealers and thorough checks were made to ensure that staff members were following the right procedures and only accepting metal from legitimate sources. Records were examined in detail and officers conducted tests on scrap metal for the presence of Smartwater – an invisible marker that ‘tags’ property with details of its rightful owner.

In addition, high visibility stop checks were made on vehicles across the three counties where around 50 drivers were stopped and had their vehicles searched. No arrests were made but officers were able to gather a lot of intelligence during their activity and investigative leads were generated after officers located and seized a quantity of metal that is suspected of being stolen.

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Forrester said: “Yesterday’s operation was really successful in gathering intelligence of potential offenders. It sent out a strong message to them and to scrap metal dealers, that metal thefts are being investigated as a priority after victims here in South Cumbria have been left with repair bills totalling £85,000.

“We teamed up with officers from neighbouring forces as part of this cross-border operation to identify offenders that travel from county to county to commit crime. An important part of our day was conducting thorough checks at local scrap metal dealers. Metal thieves need to deposit their stolen metal somewhere so dealers are important - they have a pivotal role to play in driving down the numbers of metal thefts in Cumbria by only accepting metal from legitimate sources.

“Metal theft can be a profitable business and we want communities to be confident that we are doing all we can to target these criminals. Theft of common metals such as copper piping can cause a real disruption for vital everyday services such as water, gas and electricity and can have a negative impact on local people, so we hope that members of the public will support us and come forward to report suspicious vehicles or individuals.”

Inspector Dave Vickers from Morecambe Police, said: “Morecambe and Lancaster have suffered with persistent problems with scrap metal thefts. These thefts can range from waste metal taken from skips to lead stripped from school roofs.

“It has become apparent that some criminals are coming in to the county to steal scrap metal, or are bringing stolen scrap metal from their own counties into Lancashire in an attempt to try and sell it on without being noticed.

“We hold regular operations targeting this kind of criminal activity, but this most recent operation has shown the benefit of working with neighbouring police forces to share knowledge, intelligence and expertise.”

If anybody has information about metal theft or thinks that can help police with their enquiries, they are urged to contact south Cumbria CID on 0845 33 00 247 or call Crimestoppers to provide information anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Half term at the Dock Museum

Charity donates sniffer dog to Cumbria Police

A new crime-busting hound has joined the ranks at Cumbria Police thanks to charity Sniffer Dogs UK and International (SDUKI).

Canine crime fighter Leo joined the dog section this week, and he will be trained to assist in policing operations, where his highly tuned nose will help officers sniff out offenders, drugs, stolen items and explosives.

SDUKI is the brainchild of Maggie Gwynne from Hampshire, who has spent 25 years raising funds for various charities, most recently, The Hants & IOW Air Ambulance, and Macmillan Cancer Support. The charity also intends to fund a completely new section of sniffer dogs for The Gambia, to be trained by the UK Police, to disrupt the importation of Class A drugs into the UK, at source.

Leo is the first to be funded by SDUKI. Staffordshire Police will be receiving funding within the next two months for a specialist explosives dog.

Maggie said: “SDUKI is delighted to have funded our very first specialist dog, for Cumbria Police, alongside two lots of kennelling for existing police dogs. Our aim is to help any dog section, anywhere in the country, by strengthening their numbers and providing money for kennelling, training equipment, and training for handlers up to instructor level. In this way, we will all be helping the police to help us, and keep us safe from the scourge of drugs and crime, and the threat of terrorist activity.”

Sgt Mark Yielder, who heads up Cumbria Constabulary’s dog section said: “Leo will work alongside our existing dogs and is a welcome addition to the team.

“He will work with his handler, PC Charlie Sowerby, to track and locate missing people and criminals who make off from the scene of a crime. Leo will also be used to locate and find missing or stolen property that has either been discarded or concealed, and in public order situations such as football matches.

“We already have a strong team of dogs and handlers, but Maggie’s fundraising means we can provide an even more effective service to the local community and the millions of people who come to Cumbria to enjoy our beautiful scenery."

Leo is a 2-yr-old Malinois and is ideal for the role because of the breed’s high work drive, excellent sense of smell and all round physical attributes.

For more information on SDUKI see the website http://www.sduki.com/. Donations can be made either online, or by cheque payable to SDUKI, and sent to 9 Oakdene, Totton, Hants, SO40 8FW. To contact SDUKI or to organise your own event, call 07739 096 538.

Thought for the Week

“In order to create there must be a dynamic force, and what force is more potent than love?” Igor Stravinsky

Volunteer Trustees Wanted - Birchall Trust

The Birchall Trust is a charity providing psychological support to male and female, adult and child survivors of rape and childhood sexual abuse in South Cumbria and North Lancashire. We are looking to increase the existing team of Trustees and invite applications from individuals who could contribute their skills and experience to our charity. The applicant must have a strong personal commitment to our aims and objectives. The Trustees evening meeting is held each month and the post is voluntary.

For further details please contact the Manager 01229 820828 or email birchall.trust@hotmail.co.uk

Tackling Poverty in our Communities

Wednesday 22 June 2011, from 4pm – 8pm at Trinity Church Centre, Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 5HT. Churches, Credit Unions, Faith and Financial Inclusion working in partnership to address poverty and financial exclusion in Cumbria. How you and your church can get involved.

Speakers include:

Councillor Oliver Pearson, Chair of Cumbria Financial Inclusion Forum

Gordon Henry, Credit Union Development Co-ordinator

Chair: Rev John Goddard, Baptist Church & President of Churches Together in Cumbria.

- Stories from local credit unions.

- Practical workshops about how churches can help.

- Free event with buffet supper.

Information stalls from a wide range of groups tackling poverty.

Booking essential. For more information and to book: Email: hbctic@tiscali.co.uk Phone: 07503 931196

International Day Against Homophobia

Cumbria police have pledged their support to this year’s International Day Against Homophobia, which is taking place on Tuesday 17 May 2011.

Police in Cumbria work hard to tackle hate crime and ensure members of the gay community have the confidence to report incidents to officers.

From April 2010 to March 2011, Cumbria Constabulary recorded 42 reports of homophobic hate crime – a 10.5 percent increase on the previous year when 38 crimes were recorded.

Officers believe the increase is down to the introduction of third-party reporting, which enables victims to report incidents online or via a third party. This means that victims don’t have to attend a police station, which can be off-putting if someone is not comfortable discussing their sexuality with someone they don’t know.

Detective Superintendent Paul Smith, who leads the Constabulary’s Public Protection Unit, said: “Homophobia is unacceptable, so we are doing all we can to tackle the issue in Cumbria. Every incident reported to us is investigated thoroughly and we have measures in place to ensure victims receive the support they need.

“We don’t want victims to suffer in silence and have opened a series of Third Party Reporting Centres across the county in to encourage victims who don’t want to speak directly to police officers to come forward and report crimes. Trained staff in these centres can help victims to record crimes correctly, which then get sent to us to investigate.

“Third Party Reporting centres are helping us gain a clearer picture of the true nature of hate crime in Cumbria and we need victims to continue reporting crimes to us so that we can catch offenders and ensure people don’t become repeat victims.”

Hate Crime can also be reported on-line through the Cumbria Constabulary website at www.cumbria.police.uk or through the True Vision website at www.report-it.org.uk

Victims of transphobic hate crime can also report incidents online at: http://www.tcrime.net

To contact police by phone call 0845 33 00 247. In an emergency call 999.

Further info about IDAHO can be found on the following website:

http://www.dayagainsthomophobia.org/-IDAHO-english,41-

Radio 1 Big Weekend comes to Carlisle - top tips

Carlisle is set to welcome a crowd of 40,000 and a host of international artists as Radio 1’s Big Weekend comes to Cumbria.

Next weekend, Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 May, Carlisle airport will host the biggest live music event the county has ever seen that attracts some of the world’s favourite bands and performers.

Cumbria Constabulary has been working in partnership with Carlisle Tourism Partnership, Carlisle City Council and BBC Radio 1 to ensure that the weekend runs like clockwork and is enjoyable and safe for all those attending.

Chief Inspector Mark Pannone is leading the police operation for the event. He said: “Radio 1’s Big Weekend coming to Carlisle is a real boost for the local area. Everyone is looking forward to it and we have spent months planning, alongside local councils and Radio 1, to ensure that the event runs smoothly and is as safe and enjoyable as possible for all the lucky ticket holders.

“An event of this scale will mean that there will be some disruption on our roads, however police officers will be on hand to help keep these to a minimum.

“Attending this event is a once in a lifetime opportunity for music fans and we hope that the crowds take simple steps to ensure they stay safe and get the most out of the event.

“This may be the first experience of a festival for some, so we will be handing out some simple, pocket sized personal safety tips that we would urge people to follow.

“We will also be using Bluetooth technology to send out crime prevention reminders and will be updating our social networking sites throughout the weekend to keep the community informed of how the event is going.”

A variety of staff will be involved in the policing of the event over the weekend. These will include Police Officers, Police Community Support Officers, members of the Special Constabulary and police staff. These are in addition to those officers who are normally on duty so as not to interfere with normal policing operations.

Cumbria Constabulary is issuing the following safety advice to the people who secured tickets.

Top Tips to enjoy a fun and safe R1BW:

• Look after yourself and each other – stay together and plan somewhere to meet if you get separated

• Look after your things. Keep your phone, bag, money, camera etc. out of sight – don’t draw attention to your stuff

• Drink responsibly. Binge drinking makes you vulnerable and you’ll have a much better time if you don’t overdo it

• Never accept a drink from someone you don’t know or trust

• Keep your drink with you at all times. If it looks or tastes suspicious don’t drink it

• Look out for your friends and make sure they get home safely

• Don’t walk home from the event – the roads will be dark and busy

• Never accept lifts from strangers or unregistered taxis

• Have fun and stay safe!

Officers will be updating their social networking sites over the weekend - follow Cumbriapolice on Twitter or search Cumbria police on Facebook.

Festival goers are reminded that:

• The Radio 1 Big Weekend festival site will open at around 12 noon on both days. The event will finish at 10pm on both nights.

• Food and alcohol will be on sale inside the venue, however those who look under 21 may be asked for proof of age. Acceptable forms of ID will be a photo driving licence or passport.

• No food or drink can be taken into the site – with the exception of personal supplies of water in a plastic container with an unbroken seal (up to 500ml per person).

For answers information about the event, visit the BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend site: www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/bigweekend/2011

For more information about travel and parking arrangements, visit www.discovercarlisle.co.uk  

Police Dogs Jasper and Cain in Training (Cumbria Police)

Police warning to thieves after copper thefts

Police and Electricity Northwest have issued a joint warning to criminals after a Barrow substation was broken into and copper cabling was stolen.

On Thursday 5th May 2011, the Fairfield Lane substation in Barrow was broken into and £1200 pounds of copper cabling was stolen. An investigation has been launched by Barrow police and officers have joined forces with Electricity North West to highlight the dangers associated with this sort of crime.

Inspector David Bosson from Barrow Police said: “Metal theft is an increasing problem across Cumbria and this latest crime shows the lengths that offenders are going to and the risks they are willing to take.

“Offender(s) ignored safety warnings and on Thursday night, broke into a secure sub station and stole copper cabling from switchgear. This sort of crime can cause real problems for the community with potential for loss of power to homes that can have a significant impact on vulnerable people.

“We have launched an investigation and are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen suspicious activity at the sub station, over the past week to contact us on 0845 33 00 247. If you see anyone interfering with, or what looks like suspicious ongoing activity at a substation, they should call us immediately on 999.”

Jane Fleetwood, Electricity North West’s Area Response Manager, said: “Tampering with substations or any electrical equipment on our network is not only irresponsible, but also extremely dangerous.

“Thieves looking for copper, or other metals, are not only putting their own lives at risk, but they are also potentially risking the lives of others in the community. These acts of vandalism or theft also cause inconvenience to home owners and businesses by interrupting supplies, leave costly repair work on our network and cause unnecessary extra work for our engineers.

“The warning signs at our substations are there for a reason and we would urge anybody who sees people tampering with equipment to report this immediately to police.”

Three new canine recruits for Cumbria Constabulary

Three new canine recruits today passed the rigorous training course required to become full-fledged police dogs for Cumbria Constabulary.

Dash, Leo and Penny have successfully completed their General Purpose Police Dog course, and are now licensed to begin working to locate and track offenders or missing people, assist during public order incidents and search for lost or stolen items.

Dash, a Belgian Malinois, was trained by handler PC Chris Morgan; Leo, a Belgian Malinois/Dutch Herder cross, was trained by handler PC Charlie Sowerby; and Penny, a German Shepherd, was trained by PC Jon Chappell. Both Penny and Jon are new to the section and this marks the start of PC Chappell’s dog handling career.

The occasion was marked today by Chief Inspector Kevin Greenhow from the Constabulary’s Uniformed Operational Support unit. He said: “The dogs and handlers have done extremely well to get this far. Not every dog is suitable for a working life with the police, and every dog and handler must pass the General Purpose Dog training before they are handed their operational licence.

“The dogs are trained to a nationally set standard and were assessed by PC Henderson from the Civil Nuclear Constabulary. The course includes criminal work, searching for wanted or vulnerable people, recovering discarded or hidden property and heelwork. The role requires a high degree of commitment and competence from the handlers in order to pass and the dogs will now provide a vital service to help catch offenders and keep Cumbria safe."

Photos show PC Charlie Sowerby with Leo and PC Jon Chappell with Penny are available from the police press office.

 

Thought for the week

“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” Leo Tolstoy

Iconic Barrow event on 18 May - don't miss it!

On the 18th May, Barrow Borough Council will be holding a conference at Barrow Town Hall.

Part of the Townscape Heritage Initiative and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the day will provide an opportunity for those with a responsibility for protecting Barrow’s built heritage to discuss ways we can make decisions about the future of our heritage buildings. The day is open to all interested parties: those involved in our decision-making groups, such as the Local Strategic Partnership, Planning and Building Control, regeneration and any community groups who have an interest in the built environment of the Borough. We would also encourage people who are not attached to a particular group but who are interested in the Urban Environment to come along.

Regeneration Officer Valerie Holden said “This day is about opening our minds to new tools we can use to evaluate the space we use every day. It is for looking at future decision-making, not wringing our hands about the past. The aim is that we will go away having had some fun looking at our Borough through new eyes and with a better knowledge about how we can make our voice heard in future decisions."

The day will look at various themes: what is meaningful, quality of environment, sustainability, historic, archaeological, architectural and artistic interest and our sense of habitat. Delegates will spend time in the afternoon looking at two of Barrow’s landmarks before deciding, with the help of experts, whether or not the buildings hypothetically, should be protected. The final presentation of the day will assist delegates to understand how to make their voice heard within the planning process.

The North of England Civic Trust (NECT) is working with Barrow Borough Council to deliver the event as part of the Heritage Skills Initiative programme.

Local artist John Duffin has given permission to brand the event with his paintings. Many people will be familiar with John’s works, which feature local iconic buildings.

Speakers include: Victoria Lawson, John Barwise (Chair of Cumbria Green Business Forum), Graeme Ives (English Heritage), Graham Bell (NECT), Maddi Nicholson and Stuart Bastik of Art Gene.

The event is FREE, but places must be booked by contacting NECT on 0191 232 9279 or skills@nect.org.uk

Further information:

Contact Valerie Holden, vholden@barrowbc.gov.uk 01229 876370.

Vagabonding on Tour!

Tuesday May 3 - Sunday May 22.

Two local artists will take a journey in the footsteps of one of England's most famous puppeteers this spring.

Gary Bridgens and Phill Gregg of Headzup Theatre in Barrow will travel about 100 miles, mainly on foot, through the countryside of the Lake District and South Cumbria, performing shows along the way for visitors and local residents.

The trip is inspired by the travels of Walter Wilkinson, a world famous showman and puppeteer, who toured throughout the British Isles and the United States during 1920s and 1930s. Wilkinson set up his show wherever he could find an audience and wrote travelogues of his experiences which became a series of popular books.

The pair of modern day showmen will set out from historic Piel Island in the south west corner of Cumbria on Tuesday 3rd May and over the following three weeks they will travel between visitor attractions and isolated rural communities as far north as Ambleside before making their way back to Barrow.

Gary Bridgens says: "As performers we've long had a fascination with the journeys of Walter Wilkinson and it was something we wanted to do ourselves. Like Walter Wilkinson we will travel with a small cart that doubles as a puppet booth and carry a collection of puppets, props and instruments - as well as a tent and a change of clothes.

"Walter's travels took him into the south of Cumbria as part of a journey through Lancashire but we have created our own route," said Phill Gregg. "Where he kept a journal we will be recording our experiences on a blog as well as on Facebook and Twitter. Walter also did some fantastic sketches of his travels while we'll be using a modern camera."

The specially created show, called Vagabonding, will feature songs and stories devised from local heritage and folklore. Along the way, the performers will collect and document stories from the places they visit, sharing them with new audiences each day.

Visit the official Vagabonding website here to follow the boys on their journey of a lifetime!

Performance dates in Barrow Borough - 'Vagabonding on Tour'

Piel Island, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria LA13 0QN

2pm , Tuesday, 3 May 2011

The Playground, Sandylane, Askam-in-Furness, Cumbria LA16 7DB

12pm, Saturday, 21 May 2011

St Mary's Church, Market Place, Dalton in Furness, Cumbria LA15 8AZ

6.30pm, Saturday, 21 May 2011

The Finale! The Bandstand, Barrow Park, Abbey Road, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria LA13 9BD

2pm , Sunday, 22 May 2011