Youth disorder trial is extended

Police in Cumbria are extending a pilot scheme aimed at reducing crime and disorder among young people.

Following a successful trial of the intelligence-led project in Broughton, Cumbria Police are extending it to Cockermouth.

The project involves close liaison with councils, businesses, schools and youth organisations.

Police say they have had to deal with 59 incidents of disorder from young people in Cockermouth so far this year.

As part of the project crime trends will be identified and analysed.

Sergeant Richard Farnworth, who is overseeing the scheme, said: "We already work well with partners, but all too often the only information we have is from police incident logs.

Parents contacted

"We believe that people are sometimes reluctant to phone the police as they feel they may be wasting our time.

"People also do not wish to get involved and would prefer to remain anonymous. Under this initiative, if they so wish, they can do so.

"We are already gathering information about problems caused by youths and have contacted parents of youths on 59 occasions already this year, either by personal visit or letter, depending on the circumstances.

"Two youths are on Acceptable Behaviour Contracts and we are gathering information towards Antisocial Behaviour Orders.

"We are also currently gathering information on drug suppliers in the area."