Don’t Kick Off this World Cup Season

As part of Cumbria Constabulary’s month-long World Cup policing campaign, officers will be out and about during England’s game against Slovenia on Wednesday.

Officers across Cumbria will be taking positive action to ensure that football fans enjoy the games in a safe environment, free from the fear of violence.

Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) Jerry Graham said: “There have been a small number of isolated incidents of violence and disorder reported in town centres on match days, but the vast majority of fans have behaved well and enjoyed the football as it was meant be followed – with people getting together to socialise and share the highs and lows of the tournament.

“We want people to be able to come into Cumbria’s pubs and bars to enjoy the game in a safe environment, so I’d like to reassure fans and residents that we will be following the match with you, but will be taking swift and robust action to prevent and tackle violence and disorder.”

Police have been working closely with partner agencies to ensure that fans can enjoy the World Cup safely. The Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) has also worked with police to produce beer mats and posters as a stark reminder for anyone who is caught 'kicking off' during the campaign, which can be found in and around local pubs and bars.

As an added deterrent, officers will link in with Pubwatch schemes to ensure that anyone caught committing alcohol related offences are considered for a ban from local pubs and bars for extended periods of time. Officers will also continue to work with licensees to ensure that people who come into pubs and bars, who are already drunk, are not served any alcohol.

ACC Graham added: “While my officers will be taking a firm, fair and friendly approach – anyone who crosses the line will be dealt with robustly. Violence and disorder will not be tolerated in our towns and villages. Our communities deserve the very best and we will not allow a minority to spoil it for others; our warning to potential troublemakers is if you cause problems in our pubs and clubs you will be caught, you will be prosecuted and in many cases you will be banned.”

For more information about the World Cup anti-violence campaign, visit the website www.cumbria.police.uk