Doorstep Crime

Cumbria NHW sponsored a conference day held at the Workington Sixth Form Centre where over a hundred delegates from various organisations attended .These included members of Cumbria Victim Support,Social Sevices,NHW Members,Local Councillors,Cumbria Fire and Rescue,Age Concern,Local Policing Team Officers and Police Community Support Officers and members of Trading Standards. The delegates were given an in depth overview of Doorstep Crime by Brian Steel one of the countries leading experts on Doorstep Crime.Pat Thomas from Cumbria Trading Standards gave the audience details of cases which had come to light in Cumbria and the success achived when cases had gone to court. Maralyn Barrat from The Operation Liberal Team gave the audience an insight into what is being done across the country in tackling this type of crime.The benefit of the day was highlighted by an incident being discovered the following day in Workington by a member of Age Concern who had attended the conference day and the matter was quickly brought to the attention of Trading Standards and the Police.

Brian Steel during his presentation

West Cumbria's NHW Dog Whistler

The Homesafe Scheme

West Cumbria NHW works alongside the West Cumbria Community Safety Team in progressing the use of The Homesafe Scheme where crime prevention advice and target hardening issues are addressed for victims of Crime who have been referred to them. The initiative has suffered by lack of funding so work is ongoing to find sponsors for the scheme in order for it to continue. In July of 2006 West Cumbria Police assisted BAE Systems with escort duty of one of their radar systems from Workington Docks to Eskmeals. In recognition of the assistance provided BAE Systems awarded a cheque for £3000 which they have agreed to contribute towards the West Cumbria Homesafe Scheme.

Peter Joyce, Trials & Support Manager, BAE Systems handing over the cheque to John Thornthwaite,NHW Development Officer ,West Cumbria

CDRP Annual Awards 2007

On 14 September 2007 over 300 people attended the West Cumbria Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnership Awards event at the Civic Hall in Whitehaven.

Those attending included members of the public, partner organisations, specialist practitioners involved in Anti-Social Behaviour and Crime Prevention who used the occasion to showcase a variety of work, initiatives and commitment which has been achieved during the last 12 months.

Special guests at the event included Jamie Reed, MP, Tony Cunningham, MP, Home Office representative Alex Rhine, Copeland Deputy Mayor Keith Hitchin, Allerdale Deputy Mayor Alan Caine and members of the Police Authority.

During the afternoon session, visitors were welcomed by Stainburn School and Science College Steel Band.

The afternoon session provided an opportunity for over 30 Exhibitor Stands to demonstrate their involvement in Crime and Disorder Reduction with displays, handouts and advice.

The evening session featured 250 guests which included over 40 young people, representatives from many of West Cumbria’s Youth Organisations, to celebrate the awards ceremony which attracted 54 nominations.

The Award nominations were made to members of the public and community groups for ‘Taking a Stand’ against anti-social behaviour, Partnership Excellence for Leadership, Commitment, Problem Solving, Most Improved Department, Effective Partnership and Innovative Ideas. This year’s awards also took pride in presenting the first Best Bar None Awards in Cumbria.

The event demonstrated the commitment and enthusiasm that is evident in West Cumbria and highlighted the involvement of young people throughout West Cumbria who have and continue to be a key part in the reduction of anti social behaviour. This was all too evident when the overall winner of the CDRP Awards 2007 was won by Young Cumbria for the innovative idea in creating “The Young Persons Guide to Anti Social Behaviour.”

The clear message from the event was “GIVE RESPECT GET RESPECT”