A seaside town has nearly halved its anti-social behaviour in less than a year just by introducing one lone traditional ‘beat bobby’ officer.
In the last nine months, Maryport, Cumbria, has seen its anti-social behaviour crimes (ASB) reduced by just under half (47 per cent) compared to the same period last year.
This was in large part to the introduction of Community Beat Officer PC Sam Steele who was given the task of patrolling the streets of Maryport in September.
ASB crimes are classed as acts that cause intimidation and fear in residents, with examples being vandalism, harassment, anti-social drinking, vehicle abandonment and trespassing.
Following this success, Cumbria Police hope other forces across the UK will take note and reintroduce more local ‘beat’ policing – especially in rural areas where officers can really get to know all local youths and businesses.
Pictured: PC Sam Steele (left) and Cumbria’s Deputy Police Fire and Crime Commissioner Mike Johnson
Since PC Sam Steele was tasked with patrolling the streets of Maryport, Cumbria, anti-social behaviour crimes have reduced by just under half (47 per cent) compared to the same period last year
PC Sam Steele said: ‘They see you day to day and they know you’re their friend – and they know why you’re there.
‘You’re not there to enforce necessarily on them, but you’re there to just be a part of their community. We’re not reinventing any wheels, we’re just doing it the logical way, the way it should be done.
‘Walking around and being that visible presence, recognising people that we know and catching people in the act – and nipping it in the bud.
‘They all talk to me – it’s all by names and as we said, you’ll fight with someone one day and the next day they’ll shake your hand.’
Café owner Gareth Falkingham said of PC Steele: He’s been really friendly, pops in. having that contact with local businesses – and the community in general – I think it’s really good..’
Business owner John George said of PC Steele’s ability to chat to local youths: ‘He’ll speak to them, befriend them to an extent – if you show them a little respect I think you get it back.’
Maryport resident Linda said: ‘They handle everything so well, without causing anymore aggro if you know what I mean.
‘He’s very approachable and I think that the young kids are as well. They find him easy to talk to. He knows most of them by their names.’
Maryport’s Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector Peter Aiston said: ‘Community Beat Officers are out-and-about in the community, working proactively and engaging with the people in their neighbourhoods.
‘They are dedicated to preventing crime and anti-social behaviour, interacting with the community and targeting those causing most harm.
‘Aside from dealing with anti-social behaviour, Sam’s work has seen drugs taken off the streets and he has looked at the issue of road safety.’
Cumbria’s Deputy Police Fire and Crime Commissioner Mike Johnson said: ‘Cumbria is one of the most rural counties in the country and I know that everyone wants to see more of the police in their community.
‘PC Sam Steele has been the Community Beat Officer (CBO) in Maryport since September 2022 and in that time, he has already made a big difference in tackling anti-social behaviour in the area.
‘Community Beat Officers focus on tackling the issues that matter most to the public. They are dedicated to understanding and responding to local people’s concerns and issues relating to crime and anti-social behaviour.
‘In Maryport, the Community Beat Officer has focused on reducing the negative behaviour of those causing most disruption and harm in the area, regularly conducting stop searches.’
Mr Johnson added: ‘Road safety is also key focus with CBOs around the county and over the last nine months, vehicles with no insurance, as well as E-Scooters, have been seized from people riding in an anti-social manner in Maryport.
‘In addition, there have been a number of arrests for people driving over the limit due to drink and drugs.
‘Having dedicated officers deployed from local areas, especially in rural locations, can only be a good thing. Becoming a victim of ASB can be an extremely distressing and upsetting experience.
‘If left unchecked, it can ruin people’s lives and devastate communities.
‘This is why it is vital, that our Community Beat Officers establish relationships, build trust with local residents and the wider community, so that we can all help in fighting crime together and keeping our communities free of crime.’
