Thursday 31 October 2013

Thought for the Week

“Three grand essentials in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for you.” Joseph Addison

Police dog Millie has ten puppies

Cumbria Constabulary are pleased to announce that one our operational dogs has gave birth to ten new springer spaniel puppies.

On Wednesday 30th October Millie, a drug detection dog, entered labour and gave birth to five dogs and five bitches. Mother and puppies are all doing well and are healthy.

Sergeant Mark Yielder, from the Cumbria Constabulary Dog Unit, said: “We are all delighted with the news that Millie has gave birth to the new puppies.

“The puppies will be brought up to the Dogs Unit at Police Headquarters and will rest in our purpose made puppy kennel. The kennel is fitted with heated lamps and whelping beds so the puppies will be as comfortable as possible.”

This is the first litter from a Cumbria Constabulary dog since 2007. It is also the first time ever that the litter will be of puppies that will become specialist operational dogs for Cumbria Constabulary.

Monday 28 October 2013

Free workshops at Green Heart Den this week ...

Free Workshops at Green Heart Den Community garden
The latest workshops available at Green Heart Den community garden, Marsh St, Barrow (www.greenheartden.blogspot.com). All workshops are free and booking is essential as there are a limited number of spaces on each session.
FREE, and fun gardening, growing, crafts and wildlife workshops at the Green Heart Den during October and November include ...
Thursday 31 October 2013, 11am-3pm - Cook and eat session.
Friday 1 November 2013, 11am-3pm – Craft session.
Please don’t book a session unless you intend to attend.
You can book for a session by ringing 01229 876546 or by email to neighbourhoodmgt@barrowbc.gov.uk

Monday 21 October 2013

Your chance to be involved in your local police service

Cumbria Constabulary are continuing to look for volunteers to join our team.

On 15th April 2013 Cumbria Constabulary re-invigorated its volunteer scheme. Since that date, numerous new volunteers have stepped forward into a variety of newly created roles. 

They are a welcome addition to the team, providing essential support to staff and officers in conjunction with our existing volunteers.

Currently, there are 21 volunteers. Five of whom give their time as Community Speedwatch Administrative Assistants.

Michael Roberts, who currently volunteers at Kendal, said: “I retired from a communications role 10 years ago. I used to be a Special Constable within Cumbria Constabulary, a role I found very fulfilling.  Since I retired from that three years ago, I have been keen to continue to offer my support and time to my local police force.

“Cumbria has a very strong community ethic, especially in rural areas like where I live.  I think it is important to contribute something actively to your local community rather than be a passive bystander expecting others to so everything for you!”

Jacqueline Sumner, who volunteers at Ulverston, said: “I volunteer because I was looking to do something else, in addition to the work I do with Save the Children.  I have always wanted to do something in the police so this seemed like a good opportunity.

“I really enjoy volunteering.  If I wasn’t doing this, I would just be at home.  I believe anyone who is not fulfilled with what they are currently doing could find that through volunteering. It’s a great way of using your skills, developing yourself and making a contribution to your local community.

“The police officers, PCSO’s and staff at Ulverston are all lovely; they make me feel welcome, involved and valued.”

Carol Rushton, who volunteers at Workington said: “I was made redundant two years ago and decided to volunteer for Cumbria Police, in order to get back into the working environment and to become involved in local issues.

“By volunteering, I hope to support local communities, as well as police officers and staff in the running of Speedwatch schemes in Cumbria and to make a difference locally.

“I have been made to feel welcome from the start and my time valued.  My hours are flexible, so I can work to suit my lifestyle and put my skills to good use. Volunteering is a good opportunity to get involved in local issues and to meet new people.”
All three added about their role: “We help set up Speed Watch schemes in local areas, an issue which is important to people for the safety of their local community.

“Local people feel very strongly about speeding drivers, so this is an ideal opportunity to address these concerns by being the link between the Parish Councils, their community volunteers and the Constabulary.”

There are currently two new volunteer roles that people are able to apply for, a Support Group coordinator and a Safe Place coordinator.

The aim of the Support Group role is to provide an administrative and organisational service to a number of internal support groups / partner agencies, to help organise multi-agency events and support members.

In relation to the Safe Place coordinator, they will help to identify and set up “Safe Places” within the community for vulnerable members of society.  The volunteer will also promote the scheme, along with the identified “Safe Place” premises and maintain the workability of the group.

Sergeant Paul Mellard said: “In Kendal we currently have three Police service volunteers. They are all valuable additions to the policing family and they are already helping to improve how we engage with members of the various watch schemes in the Neighbourhood Policing Team area. We are also in the early stages of forming Speed Watch groups and our volunteers are instrumental in this.”

Shirley Murray, the Volunteers Coordinator, said: “This is a great opportunity for members of the community to support their local police service to continue to deliver an excellent policing service.

“We are looking for individuals who are enthusiastic, willing to work with police officers , police community support officers, our police staff and our partner agencies for the benefit of the community.

“These are fantastic opportunities for a number of people, someone who is looking to develop them self, has a skill set we can make use of or someone who wants to fill some spare time.”

Anyone who is interested in applying to become a police support volunteer can visit Cumbria Police website http://www.cumbria.police.uk/join-us/community-volunteers-scheme/current-volunteer-vacancies

If you are interested in setting up a Speed Watch in your local area please email communityspeedwatch@cumbria.police.uk

Monday 7 October 2013

First Cumbria Police dogs to be born and bred for operation in the county

First Cumbria Police dogs to be born and bred for operation in the county

The patter of tiny paws is soon to be heard at Cumbria Constabulary’s Dog Unit following news that one of our operational dogs is pregnant.

Millie, a springer spaniel who works as drug detection dog, is due to give birth in early November. Scans have shown that she is carrying at least three puppies.

This will be the first litter from a Cumbria Constabulary dog since 2007. It is also the first time ever that the litter will be of puppies that will become operational dogs for Cumbria Constabulary.

Sergeant Mark Yielder, from the Cumbria Constabulary Dog Unit, said: “There are number of handlers walking round like proud grandfathers at the minute. We are all very happy that Millie is pregnant.

“The idea is that Millie will give birth at the home of her handler and then the puppies will be brought up to the Dogs Unit at Police Headquarters and will rest in our purpose made puppy kennel. The kennel is fitted with heated lamps and whelping beds so the puppies will be as comfortable as possible.

“The advantages of breeding our own dogs are that we can train them from an early age and there is no cost to the public as we don’t have to buy them in from a breeder.”

The father is Alfie who is also a drug detection dog. Millie has now been taken out of duty so she can rest in preparation for the birth.

Be Happy

Friday 4 October 2013

It's Tyre Safety Month

October is Tyre Safe month and this year the focus is on checking tyre pressure.

Cumbria Constabulary is supporting tyre safe month throughout October. This year’s campaign by ‘Tyresafe’, a non–profit commercial organisation, is on correct tyre pressure.

Under-inflated tyres are more likely to suffer a dangerous blowout, typically at high speed on a busy motorway or main road.

Also, correctly inflated tyres will last longer, using less fuel and providing better handling and braking. This all helps to reduce the chances of people being involved in an accident.

PC Shaun McKeown said: “It is essential that people are safe when out and about on the roads. We encourage everyone to use the 20 pence test to make sure that their tyres are of legal tread depth. This year we are also highlighting the message to make sure they are correctly inflated.

“The right amount of pressure in tyres can make a substantial difference. Not only does it make you safe when in your vehicle, by providing better handling and braking, it can save you money.

“Under-inflated tyres will wear out quickly, therefore increase the need to replace more frequently. Your vehicle will also use more fuel, therefore increasing your bills.

“If you are not certain about the right pressure level, go to your local garage who will be happy to check it for you. Advice about tyre safety will be tweeted throughout the month from the Cumbria Roads Policing Twitter account, @CumbriaRoadsPol.

“Don’t put checking off, it could save your life and money.”

Tyre pressures should be checked at least once a month or before any long journeys.

The correct pressure settings for vehicles can be found inside the vehicle handbook, inside the fuel filler cap or on a plate on the driver's door sill.

Alternatively you can download TyreSafe's free iPhone pressure checker app, or search their online database, at www.tyresafe.org by simply entering the vehicle's registration number.

Top Tips for checking your tyres:

  • Check your tyre pressure at least once a month.
  • Tyre pressure should be checked against the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended level. This can be found in the vehicle handbook and on a plate which is often located inside the fuel filler flap or on the driver’s door sill.
  • Check the pressure when tyres are cold (i.e. when you have travelled less than two miles).
  • If you are carrying a full load of passengers or luggage or will be towing a trailer or caravan, tyre pressures should be increased in line with the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. Details can be found in the handbook.
  • Ensure a reliable and accurate pressure gauge is used.
  • Check the pressure in all four tyres – and don’t forget to check the spare tyre as well.
  • While checking pressures, give the rest of the tyre a visual inspection. Remove any stones and other objects embedded in the tread. Look out for any bulges, lumps or cuts.
  • If you are unsure on any aspect of tyre pressure or tyre condition take your vehicle to an approved fitting centre and speak to the experts.

Police warn public in relation to cold-calling scam

Police are warning members of the public to be vigilant following reports of cold-calling in the South Cumbria area.

Police were called yesterday on two separate incidents where a member of the public had received a phone call where the caller requested that they ring their credit card company immediately as money  has been withdrawn and that they need to stop it. The person receiving the call will hang up and dial their credit card holder on the same phone, whilst the fraudster who is on the other end has not hung up the call.

The call then goes straight to the fraudster and they will have passes the phone to an associate who will attempt to take down the victim’s security details. Police want to make the public aware that if you are called and the caller does not hang up, the line will stay active for 2-5 minutes and the call will go to the fraudsters.

The phone calls were made at 11.20pm on the 2nd October and before 9am on the 3rd October. On both occasions the caller’s voice was described as a male’s voice with a Scottish accent.

Sharon Livesey, South Cumbria Community Safety Officer, said: “We would ask that members of the public take great care when speaking about financial information over the phone. If you receive a suspicious call requesting you to contact your bank, we advise you do this by using a different phone and on a number you know to be correct for your bank.”

Anyone who believes they have been a victim is asked to contact Cumbria Police on 101 or alternatively report this to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. For more information about scams visit www.actionfraud.org.uk.

Thursday 3 October 2013