Tuesday 29 April 2014

Thought for the Week

“When one has once fully entered the realm of love, the world – no matter how imperfect – becomes rich and beautiful, it consists solely of opportunities for love.” Soren Kierkegaard

Tuesday 22 April 2014

Furness Firecrackers - We will block you!

'Night at the Museum' - 16 May

Island Strollers walking group - come and join in!

Thought for the Week

“Silence is argument carried out by other means.”  Ernesto 'Che' Guevara

More needs to be done to support victims of crime

More needs to be done for victims of crime are the findings of a report published today by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Mr Rhodes, commissioned a report in 2013 to undertake a review of the service provision for victims of crime.  The review was undertaken by Sandra Wiggin from Victim Support and involved working with a range of partners from across the county delivering services as well as speaking to victims about their experiences.

Richard Rhodes said:  “I welcome  the publication of today’s report called ‘Care, Consideration and a Voice for Victims’.  More has to be done to support victims and the report’s 56 recommendations identify a number of key ways that victims can be supported.
“No crime ever has just one victim.  Often crime has a wider impact on family, friends and in some cases on our wider community.  It is important that victims have confidence in the system and that they are given the required support at the right time as people have different needs at different times.
“I launched my Office of Victim Services in March 2013, the finalising of this report gives the focus of my work to support victims for the next two years.
“The provisional findings of the report were discussed with partner organisations at a conference, which was well attended. Since then, a significant amount of work has been put in place to start to improve the support provided to victims and to change how services work to take greater account of victims’ needs.
“Work has already begun on a Victims’ Charitable Trust that will act as a champion for victims.  This will be supported by central funding for victims services being transferred to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner from October 2014 and we are looking at what opportunities there will be to improve services to victims. The process of appointing a Victims’ Advocate to lead on all of this work is well progressed.
“I am also working closely with partner organisations to look at developing more consistent and sustainable support services for victims of sexual violence so that they have access to the right support when they need it. 
“I would like to thank Sandra for her detailed and comprehensive report, and all the agencies and victims for taking part in the review.  It is only by all agencies working together will we make a real difference to victims in the county.”

A victim of sexual violence said: “It was like a nightmare come true, I felt like my whole world had fallen apart. I froze and didn’t know what to do. If it hadn’t been for  the help and guidance from Victim Support and other agencies who supported me and my family during  the ordeal and afterwards, I don’t think we would have coped.” http://www.cumbria-pcc.gov.uk/

Tuesday 15 April 2014

Thought for the Week

“The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it.” CC Scott

Monday 14 April 2014

Love Sewing Project ...

'Holiday Club' at Hartington St Methodist Church

One punch can ruin two lives

Over 20,000 people following Cumbria Constabulary on Twitter

In 2009, Cumbria Constabulary began using the social media site Twitter to update people with news, appeals and general information. This has gone from strength to strength, with over 20,000 followers.  
Social media is now one of the main ways in which people can receive updates about news and local incidents which affect them. Twitter has been an effective tool for Cumbria Constabulary and has enabled people to receive information from appeals to crime prevention tips directly to their phone, computer or other device.

The Constabulary account has proved to be so popular that extra Twitter accounts were established for local policing teams and specialist units. There are now over 30,000 people following 13 accounts across the County to find out more about policing in their local communities.

Twitter is not the only social media site utilised by Cumbria Constabulary, the force also has a page on Facebook which now has more than 15,000 followers.

Chief Superintendent Steve Johnson said: “Social media plays an important part in our relationship with the public. Our accounts have enabled us to break down barriers to give members of our community direct access to the Constabulary.

“Having 20,000 followers selecting to follow Cumbria Constabulary shows a key demand for people wanting to use Twitter to receive information and updates from the police.

“A vast amount of information is now within the reach of members of our community that have access to social media and we are dedicated to keeping them informed.

“We encourage people to follow us, and have now established Twitter alert’s to immediately deliver important information in the event of a major incident, such as flooding. This will help us in providing a medium that provided timely updates straight away and enable people to take any necessary action and inform friends and family members who could be affected.

“We recognise that not everyone has social media accounts and we will always inform the public in a wide variety of methods. However, social media is proving to be an essential tool for Cumbria Constabulary.”

Follow us

A list of a the Constabulary’s local policing teams accounts and other social media profiles can be found here

Police ask public to enjoy their summer and drink responsibly

As Easter draws closer, Cumbria Police are asking people to consider their own personal safety as warmer weather hits the county.

This time of year includes a number of bank holidays which sees the county’s main nightlife spots attracting high numbers of revellers looking for a good time. Officers want to take this opportunity to remind people to stay safe, look after each other, stay within their drinking limits and remain in control.

In a bid to make people more aware of their safety during nights out and as they make their way home, police are issuing top tips to encourage people to consider safety as a top priority.

This summer will see the promotion of the Constabulary’s “One punch can change two lives” campaign continue following its launch at Christmas. This reminds party-goers of the consequences of losing control through alcohol consumption. This is part of our on-going “Think before you drink” force-wide campaign.

Chief Superintendent Steve Johnson said: “We want everyone to enjoy the warmer weather and it is a great time to get together but we remind people to drink within their limits and remain in control. It can be easy to get carried away with the atmosphere, but having that awareness will mean that your night is a good one.

“We understand that with warmer weather comes the temptation to enjoy a few drinks, whether it is at home in the garden, in the county’s beer gardens and pubs or out in the countryside whilst camping. All we ask is that you do this responsibly and that you don’t take any risks with your safety, stick to your limits and drink plenty of water so you don’t suffer dehydration.

“The consequences of drinking too much and becoming vulnerable or overstepping the mark can spoil your summer and also your life. As well as risking becoming a victim of crime, you could risk getting into trouble by a situation quickly escalating into violence or disorder.

“It’s not worth the risk. Enjoy drinks with friends but know your limits. Go too far and you can spoil your summer before it’s begun - you could see yourself banned from all Pubwatch bars and clubs or even under arrest.”

Police will also continue with their: “Keys, Money, Phone, Plans to get home?” campaign, which reminds young women, students and party goers to think ahead and plan their safe journey home.

Chief Superintendent Steve Johnson added: “Make sure you have a registered taxi number on you, don’t be caught out and if you end up on your own, having that number will ensure that you get home safely.

“Whilst out on nights out, please think ahead, looking after each other and making plans to get home will help you to enjoy your night safely.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes said: “When talking to people in the county they are quite clearly concerned about the impact that alcohol can have on all aspects of life.  I therefore fully support the Police’s campaign to encourage people to stay safe and enjoy alcohol responsibly, especially as we go into the better weather and longer nights.”

The campaign will encourage people planning a night out to follow this advice:

  • If confrontation arises, be responsible seek out security staff or a Police Officer and make them aware of the issue
  • Think: Keys, money phone, plans to get home?
  • Stick with your friends and look out for each other
  • Make sure you use licensed taxi services

Anyone who is a victim of a crime or sees suspicious activity is asked to report this to Cumbria Police on 101.
People can also follow Cumbria Police on Facebook and Twitter (@CumbriaPolice) where up to date safety advice and information will be shared.

Tuesday 1 April 2014

POLICE WARN PUBLIC TO LOCK IT OR LOSE IT AS THE WARMER WEATHER DRAWS IN

Cumbria Constabulary are turning their attentions to residential areas this week as part of their annual acquisitive crime campaign, warning the public to be vigilant and take simple measures to protect and secure their property.

As clocks change bringing in longer daylight hours, Police are warning the public to lock their doors and windows or risk losing their possessions.

In 2013, there were 7,977 reported incidents of an acquisitive crime type in residential areas in Cumbria. This is an increase of just over 4% from 2012 where there were 7,643 reported incidents.

Inspector Jon Sherlock, of the Constabulary’s Community Safety Unit, explains:

“We hope that this campaign will encourage people to take some simple steps to ensure that their property and belongings remain in their possession and that they don’t become victims of crime.

“As the stats show, acquisitive crime has increased in residential areas. Due to improvements in security, our homes and buildings have never been more secure. Too much acquisitive crime however is opportunist, offenders entering through unlocked doors and open windows. The simple steps of locking doors, windows, outbuildings and not leaving expensive equipment on show can be the most effective deterrents. I can’t emphasise enough the need to take these simple steps and a routine when leaving the house or before going to bed.

“We appreciate the need to open windows in warmer weather; however modern deigns allows some security with the windows on a latch, don’t invite thieves into your home. On leaving your property ensure the doors and windows are locked and if away for an extended period, notify a neighbour.

“The image of a thief with a crow-bar breaking into your home, is in 2014 more commonly replaced by someone walking along a row of terraced houses trying every door handle, entering and stealing from the unfortunate home owner who didn’t lock their door, don’t let that be you.

 “We want to lower the number of victims in residential communities, but we need everyone’s help to do this. By following some simple crime prevention advice people can significantly reduce the risk of burglary.

“If anyone has any concerns around acquisitive crime or has suspicions around stolen property, I would encourage them to call Cumbria Police on 101.”

This is the second week of the acquisitive campaign which focussed on rural areas in the first week.

Police and Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes said:

“We all need to take these simple steps to guard against the risk of burglary, and be mindful that opportunistic thieves may be operating in our areas.  It can take an opportunistic thief less than two minutes to commit burglary. To help reduce the risk, people should read the important crime prevention information provided by the police.”

For more information about protecting your property and belongings, please visit http://www.cumbria.police.uk/securehome.

If you see anything suspicious in your area, please contact Cumbria Police on 101.

Thought for the Week

“Believe those who are seeking the truth. Doubt those who find it.” Andre Gide