Thought for the Week

“For small creatures such as we the vastness is bearable only through love.” Carl Sagan

Tyre safety success in south Cumbria

Officers from Cumbria Constabulary’s Collision Investigation Unit have been running a series of vehicle stop checks in the Kendal and Barrow areas during October as part of the ‘darker nights’ initiative.

The initiative aims to raise awareness of the need to ensure that  vehicles are maintained and prepared for the darker nights and deteriorating driving conditions as winter approaches.

During the checks, vehicle tyres were examined and drivers were given advice regarding the importance of monitoring tyre condition. All the drivers stopped were issued with a tyre depth gauge and key ring provided by TyreSafe, who work in partnership with police to promote tyre safety.

Nearly a hundred vehicles were stopped and had their tyres checked by the officers. The checks resulted in advice being given to a number of drivers whose tyre tread depth was just above the legal minimum tread depth.

PC Richard Wiejak, one of the Constabulary’s Collision Investigators, said, “It was encouraging to see that the messages regarding tyre condition and the dangers of worn tyres are  getting through to motorists. None of the vehicles stopped had illegal tyres and no drivers had to be reported for tyre offences.”

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 search TyreSafe’s online database, at www.tyresafe.org by simply entering the vehicle's registration number.

The legal minimum tread depth for cars in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three quarters of the tyre around its entire circumference. Driving on tyres which are below this limit is not only dangerous but illegal and you could face a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points for each tyre. 

Police launch public consultation on budget cuts

A public consultation has been launched by Cumbria Constabulary and the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner today (27 October), which will give people in Cumbria the opportunity to have their say on frontline services.

Last month Cumbria Constabulary announced a number of areas which are to be reviewed as part of an ongoing need to make financial savings.

Cumbria Constabulary has already delivered savings of £16 million since 2010/11 by restructuring and changing the way the force works whilst protecting the frontline as much as possible. However, the force continues to face major financial challenges and current budget forecasts show that a further £11.8 million needs to be saved by 2017/18. As the government’s next round of funding allocation draws closer, it is likely that this figure will increase and further savings will be required.

The public consultation will cover areas which will affect local people (i.e. frontline services). This includes:

·         How we engage with the public

·         Police community support officers (PCSOs)

·         Front counter services

Chief Constable Jerry Graham said, “This is the ideal opportunity for people in Cumbria to have their say and influence the ongoing reviews. We are keen to hear people’s thoughts, and I would encourage people to fill in the survey and consider how they want policing services to look in the future.

“Change is required due to budget cuts. Previously we have focused on making savings through reducing management and reviewing administration costs, while protecting the frontline as much as possible. We will continue to look at how we can make savings in back office functions, however currently 85% of our costs are on staffing and therefore it is unfortunately inevitable that the majority of future savings may have to be found in operational areas of the business. This will mean a reduction of officer and staff numbers.

“Difficult decisions now need to be made – do people want officers or front counters? How can we best use PCSOs? We are keen to get people’s views on these areas to help us to make these challenging choices. We are also looking at innovative digital and mobile methods of working to help officers remain visible and accessible in their communities.

“I will continue to work hard to keep Cumbria one of the safest places to live, work, and visit, and provide the best possible policing service we can afford.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes said, “This is a great opportunity for the public to let the Constabulary and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner know their views about the future of policing in the county.  There are some tough decisions to be made and it is important the people’s views are known before changes begin.”

Over 4,000 paper surveys, as well as posters and flyers informing people of the consultation have been distributed across the county across a number of organisations (such as selected doctors surgeries, leisure facilities, and libraries), so that the Constabulary can reach as many individuals as possible and receive a representative view across the county.

Members of the public can also request a paper survey by calling 101, or they can fill it in online on the Constabulary’s website: www.cumbria.police.uk

Paper copies will also be available at Police Desks across the county. For your local Police Desk please visit: www.cumbria.police.uk/policedesks

The deadline for responses is 7^th November for paper surveys and 14^th November for online surveys.

Have a safe and happy Halloween

Cumbria Constabulary are encouraging young people to have a safe and happy Halloween, but not at other people’s expense.

Anti-social behaviour (ASB) has reduced year on year but we continue to see reports of ASB increase during Halloween. On 31^st October 2013 reports of ASB doubled, with some young people being over enthusiastic and not realising how their actions can be upsetting for others.

In order to help reduce these incidents, police officers and PCSO's have given talks to pupils in primary and secondary schools on how to enjoy Halloween safely but responsibly.

This interaction will continue during half term with police officers and PCSO's patrolling key areas, speaking to young people about staying safe, and encouraging them to respect neighbours who would prefer not to be disturbed. They will also be providing reassurance to local residents, especially those who feel vulnerable at this time of year.

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson said, “People enjoy this annual event- especially children- but it is important that we consider those who do not want to take part in Halloween.

“Police officers and PCSO's have given out free posters and window stickers, at the local police desks, for people to display at home, either welcoming ‘trick or treaters’ or asking them to stay away.

“If you see a poster asking you not to trick or treat there – please respect their wishes and stay away.

 “We want people to have fun at Halloween and by working together- being respectful and tolerant- we can all have a safe and enjoyable time.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes said, “We don’t want to stop youngsters enjoying Halloween, but it is important, especially at this time of year, to remind them of the importance of not over-stepping the mark. There is often a fine line between high spirits and anti social behaviour and we want youngsters to be mindful of that, and respect others.  I am pleased to see the activity that is planned with the constabulary, schools and partners, to raise awareness.”

Mrs Sue Jackson, head teacher at Greengate Junior School in Barrow, said, "As a school we have been happy to work alongside our local police officers.  PC Mike Brown has been working with some of the children on anti social behaviour. We want everyone to enjoy Halloween young or old."

Mark Ashton, head teacher at Warwick Bridge Primary School, Carlisle, said: “We really enjoyed the visit from PC Anita Owen. All of the children had great fun and interacted well. It was great for the children to receive information about how to stay safe and respect others at Halloween.”

Louise Forster, Team Leader at Inspira, said, “This time of year it’s traditional to play pranks and have a bit of fun, and we certainly don’t want to spoil that fun. But there are things that can easily go wrong or go too far, so we just want people, especially young people, to take care and not take any extra risks. 

“Stick to an organised party or activity. Check out what’s happening in your local community or talk to Inspira about what activities we have to offer.”

There are a few do’s and don’ts that can be followed to help make sure that everyone has a good Halloween and you can also print off  a trick or treat poster. All this information is located on our website at: www.cumbria.police.uk/halloween.

You can also obtain a free poster at your local police desk, to find out where your next police desk is, visit www.cumbria.police.uk/policedesks.

For more information on Inspira visit http://www.inspira.org.uk/.  

Cumbria Constabulary encourages everyone to be secure this winter

The clocks go back this weekend and Cumbria Constabulary would like to remind residents of the importance of keeping homes and vehicles secure throughout the winter months.

As the nights become darker, people are encouraged to leave a light on, secure their property, and report any suspicious behaviour as quickly as possible.

During the month of November 2013 there were 55 burglaries of residential properties where half were insecure. In one week alone, 14 homes were burgled with three quarters being insecure.

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson said, “We do everything we can to target those involved in theft and burglary but we would like to work with our community to prevent it happening in the first place.

“Officers will be patrolling key areas, offering crime prevention advice, and encouraging householders to review their own security. By doing this we can make life difficult for opportune offenders.

“If you are going out for the evening, leaving a light on, or using a light timer, and drawing the curtains all adds to the appearance that someone is home and helps to deter any burglars.

“We still see a large number of burglaries when a door or window has been left insecure. We are encouraging people to do a quick security check of their home before they go out, or when they go to bed to make sure doors and windows are locked and where necessary to assist in checking their friends, neighbours and relatives homes if they believe they are vulnerable

“Please let us know as soon as possible if you see anyone behaving suspiciously. Many criminals are apprehended due to information from members of the public. Simply telephone 101, or if a crime is in progress, 999. If you have information regarding crime you can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

“By working together we can ensure a safe autumn and winter for people across the county.”

Police and Crime Commissioner, Richard Rhodes said, “It is that unsettling time of year when the clocks go back. It is up to us all to take responsibility for securing our homes and driving on the roads as well. If you concerned please contact the Constabulary as soon as possible for safety advice.”

You can speak to someone in person at the various police desks held across the county. Police officers and PCSOs are on hand to offer information, advice, answer questions, and speak to you about any concerns. To find out where your next police desk is, visit www.cumbria.police.uk/policedesks.

More crime prevention advice is also available at http://www.cumbria.police.uk/advice-and-information/crime-prevention and includes top tips on security for sheds, fuel storage, and vehicles.

Cumbria Libraries - Your Favourite Scene Competition

Police warn of fraud investigation scam in Kendal

Cumbria Police repeatedly advise and warn the local communities about telephone, computer and cold calling scams that they become aware of in their area.

Police have received two reports relating to a scam caller purporting to be a member of the Metropolitan Police’s Fraud Squad in the past week.

The caller, a male,  claims that they are investigating a major fraud case and that the victim’s bank account has been compromised and should move their money immediately to a ‘secret bank account’. The caller has on both occasions referred to himself as Detective Constable David Warren.

On the 10^th October a woman in Kendal was called by the fraudster and was coerced into transferring £20,000 into a ‘secret police account’. Once the transaction was completed, the woman reported it to Cumbria Police.

On the 15^th October a second woman, also from the Kendal area, received a call from a man claiming to be a DC David Warren from the Metropolitan Police’s Fraud Squad. She was advised to move money into a ‘secret police account’ however transferred this in to her son’s account due to her suspicions. She then reported this to police.

Details regarding both incidents have been passed to Action Fraud.

Inspector Jon Sherlock said “Police officers will always identify themselves by name and the station they are attached to, they will never ask for your bank details. Unfortunately there are people out there who will attempt to obtain information fraudulently. I strongly advise anyone who receives calls like this to hang up immediately.

“If you are ever unsure if a call from the police is genuine, ask for the person’s name, collar number and station attached to, then hang up. Using a different phone, as the caller may still be linked to yours, dial 101 and ask for that specific person – if they are genuine, the Communications Centre will be able to put you through to them.”

For more advice, please contact Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.org.uk or contact the Action Fraud Hotline on 0300 123 2040.

Fort Walney Uncovered: Art & Archaeology at Art Gene, Friday 17 October

Fort Walney Uncovered: Art & Archaeology You're Invited to a Presentation of Findings Art Gene, Barrow, Friday 17 October, 7pm

Artists and archaeologists present their findings to the public - free, all welcome Art Gene's Fort Walney Uncovered project, in partnership with Natural England, launched last month with five days of artist-led activity on the site of the former British Army Camp on Walney Island. Archaeologists worked with volunteers to survey the area and dig exploration trenches. What did they uncover? Come to this free event and find out.  Presented by Art Gene with archaeologist Dr George Nash, the evening will include talks, photos and actual artefacts. And there will be a chance to ask questions and share your own knowledge of Fort Walney. Drinks and light refreshments will be served.  The evening's programme includes: Presentation from archaeologist Dr. George Nash, including his analysis of the findings Artists Maddi Nicholson and Stuart Bastik of Art Gene will talk about the nature of the artistic collaboration and what this has meant to Art Gene Presentation by our artist in residence, Jeni McConnell about the work she has undertaken in local schools Hear views from the volunteer archaeologists, Hear contributions from our project partners, Natural England Brief video clips and a photocollage of the project Introduction to Pan Studio who will be working with Art Gene to make an app to help people understand the site and learn more  The event is free but you do need to book: Contact Nick Owen at Art Gene on 07742 271570 or 01229 825085 or click here to email Nick.  Friday 17 October 7-9pm at Art Gene, the Nan Tait Centre, Abbey Road, Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 1LG. Art Gene is grateful to Heritage Lottery Fund, the Hadfield Trust, the Skinners' Company Lady Neville Charity, Natural England and BAE Systems for their support.

Thought for the Week

"When I do good, I feel good. When I do bad, I feel bad. That's my religion." Abraham Lincoln

Fort Walney Findings: archaeological presentation at Art Gene, Friday 17th October

Friday 17 October 7-9pm at Art Gene, the Nan Tait Centre, Abbey Rd, Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 1LG.   What lies under the dunes on Walney Island? Last month, volunteers, artists and archaeologists used shovels, metal detectors, and bare hands to uncover a long-hidden practice trench built by the British Army on Fort Walney to train men before they went to war. Come along to this free presentation that will show what they found and what it means. Presented by Art Gene with archaeologist Dr George Nash, the evening will include talks, photos and actual artefacts. And there will be a chance to ask questions and share your own knowledge of Fort Walney. Drinks and light refreshments will be served. The event is free but you do need to book: Contact Nick Owen at Art Gene on 07742 271570 or 01229 825085 or click here to email Nick.  Art Gene is grateful to Heritage Lottery Fund, the Hadfield Trust, the Skinners' Company Lady Neville Charity, Natural England and BAE Systems for their support.

CADAS Free 2 day drug and alcohol awareness course for Parent/Carers

Fun Food for Kids at Barrow Library, 27 October

Police and partner agencies are marking World Mental Health Day by hosting an online meeting.

Every year on the 10^th October the World Health Organisation joins in celebrating World Mental Health Day. The day raises awareness of mental health conditions with this year’s theme focusing on schizophrenia.

From 3pm to 5pm there will be an opportunity for members of the public to gain advice, find out local hate-related issues or crime, and ask any questions about mental health issues.

Officers will be joined by colleagues from People First and Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.  Representatives from these organisations will be available to offer support and guidance as well as promote the services available in Cumbria.

Chief Inspector Gordon Rutherford said “Following the success of last year’s event the Constabulary is pleased to be involved again in this online meeting. This will provide an opportunity for members of the public to ask us any questions about how we approach mental health issues as an organisation. 

“We are sensitive to the issues and potential barriers in gaining advice and support. This is not only in relation to how we as a Constabulary meet the needs of people experiencing mental health issues, but the part we play in the wider network of the many expert organisations that exist to support individuals. Please take this opportunity to take part in this event.”

Kevin Jackson, Community Engagement Officer for People First, said “I am pleased that this has become an annual event. The close working partnership between Cumbria Constabulary, People First, Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, and other local third sector groups, means that we can offer a live web chat to enable people across the county to ask questions online about mental health.

“This can be done anonymously and from the comfort of their own homes. Hundreds of people take part in the event and it is proving a real success. North Cumbria leads the way in promoting mental health awareness.”

Dr Ronald Siddle, Consultant Psychologist and Clinical Lead for Early Intervention in Psychosis said “Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust provides mental health services across the county which support people to recover and live as independently as possible. This is a great opportunity to raise awareness of the services available and the provisions in place to support people living with mental health conditions in Cumbria.

“Mental health conditions such as schizophrenia often require multiple organisations to work together to ensure a person’s health and social care needs are met and we are delighted to be joining this webchat with our partners.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes said “I am really encouraged by this joined-up initiative.  I think that the webchat is a great opportunity for those that seek information or support for those experiencing mental health issues to get in touch.  We need to hear what the issues are in order to ensure people have the support they need, and to do this we need to seek creative ways to engage with our communities.”

To take part in the event log on to www.cumbria.police.uk/mentalhealthday

Commissioner Continues Council Tax Consultation – Online Survey Reminder

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Richard Rhodes is reminding people that they still have time to take part in the online survey and share their views about the future funding of the police service in the county.

“Your Police, Your Say” campaign started on 1 September, and runs until the end of October. The aim is to provide an opportunity for members of the public to engage with Mr Rhodes about the future levels of council tax precept.  Approximately, 14% of the local council tax bill goes to pay for the police service. It is one of the roles of the Police and Crime Commissioner to decide whether the amount of council tax is increased or ‘frozen’ every year.

Police and Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes said “As part of the consultation, our online survey will remain open until the end of the month, and I urge people to take just a few minutes to complete the questionnaire and let me know their thoughts. The results of the consultation will enable me to make an informed decision about the future levels of the policing part of the council tax precept over the next two years, so it is very important that as many people take part as can.

“Part of the rationale for Police and Crime Commissioners was that they would represent the public and enable people to have a voice in policing.  This why I am going directly to the people of Cumbria to get their views about the future funding of policing through their council tax payments.”

Last year, the policing part of the council tax precept was increased by 1.93% which was an increase of £3.96 per year, taking the police part for a band D property to £208.62. Although there was an increase in council tax precept savings were still necessary as the overall police budget was reduced.   

The overall police budget is £128million for 2014/15 and most of the funding comes from central government supported by council tax precept, the police’s own financial reserves and money not spent in the previous year’s budget.

The survey can be found on the Commissioner’s website, http://www.cumbria-pcc.gov.uk/governance-transparency/budget-finance.aspx

Paper copies are available from the office, please contact 01768 217734 or email commissioner@cumbria-pcc.gov.uk if you require a copy.

The Phantom of the Opera

Craft Fair - 18th October

Life on the Home Front - First World War Exhibition

Seal Identification workshop at South Walney Wildlife Nature Reserve

Seal Identification workshop at South Walney Wildlife Nature Reserve on Wednesday 29/10/2014 - 10-1pm

 Seals on South Walney

Enjoy learning about our local seal colony on the reserve. We'll start in the classroom looking at different identifying features and then take you to the best seal spotting sites.

Bring binoculars if you have them. The walk is 3km long. 

A tramper is available for use by individuals with mobility problems if booked 24 hours in advance of the event.

Places are limited so booking is essential. Ring 01539 816300 or email   mail@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk  

Please note that refreshments are not available on the reserve.

Venue location

South Walney Nature Reserve
Barrow in Furness,
Cumbria

Grid reference
SD 225 620

Police remind people where to report lost and found property

Cumbria Constabulary is launching a campaign reminding members of the public what to with property they find.

This campaign has been introduced following confusion as to who is responsible in reconnecting found property with their owners. It is a legal requirement for a person to make reasonable attempts to find the owner of any property they find.

The Constabulary is responsible for any property linked to a crime and would encourage those who find property that they believe to be part of a crime to report this to police.

If property is found on a business or an organisation’s premises, members of the public are asked to hand this into the management who will then be responsible for the attempts to find the owner.

The Constabulary from the 1st October will no longer record any lost property they receive, this is in order to allow officers and staff to focus on their core policing roles.

You can help protect your valuable possessions by registering it for free with the UK National Property Register, Immobilise. Cumbria Police work with Immobilise when tracing owners of lost and stolen property. For more information please visit www.immobilise.com.   

Performance Manager Garry Armstrong said “Many members of the public believe that they must report a loss of property to the police, this is not the case. Lost property must be reported to the relevant issuing authority such as the DVLA for driving licences, the passport agency for passports and the relevant bank for bank cards and cheque books.

“The situation is similar with regards to found property, the responsibility belongs with the person who finds this or the organisation where the item is found.

“We will continue to assist the community by pointing them in the right direction to do this and help as much as we possibly can. We will also be giving out information and advice at our front counters and police desks.

“This change will enable officers to deal with property that we store as part of a crime rather than property that has simply been lost. The property we do store will hopefully enable us to detect who is responsible for the crime and officers can then work on reuniting these items with their owner.

"We would like to assure members of the public that if there is any suspicion that an item which has been found is related to a crime we will store it and make enquiries.”

 

For more information on what to do with items found or property that you have lost please visit www.cumbria.police.uk/lostandfound.