KESWICK crime figures for the six months from April to the beginning of October reflect the success of various targeted operations during that period, says police.

There has been a significant fall in the number of offences, in some cases a 100 per cent drop, which, says Sergeant Garry Armstrong, is evidence that Keswick is one of the safest places to live in the country.

He said: ”We will continue to tackle the issues that matter most to people. We have targeted hot spots and individuals, identifying where there are problems and dealing with them.”

Operation Palomas this summer concentrated on anti-social behaviour and drinking in Hope and Fitz Parks and the Derwentwater foreshore area.

There were three arrests for various offences and 13 banning orders were issued to keep youngsters out of the parks for up to 48 hours. In addition police carried out three drug searches and there were 23 instances of alcohol seizure. A total of 25 anti-social behaviour forms were issued.

Incident logs in the parks showed a steady fall during the summer, from 10 in May and 9 in June to just 6 in July and 2 in August.
“This points to the operation achieving what it was supposed to do,” said Sgt. Armstrong.

Keswick area crime figures for the six months from April to October showed an overall drop of 4 per cent. Assaults were down 16 per cent; thefts of motor vehicles down 100 per cent and burglaries from dwellings down 25 per cent. One of the few rises was in nuisance neighbour reports.

There was also a 100 per cent fall in class A drugs offences; thefts were down by 17 per cent and cases of on street drinking fell by 53 per cent.
 

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