Operation Enhance Cuts Anti-Social Behaviour Across Cumbria

Cumbria Police’s ongoing Operation Enhance continues to deliver measurable results across the county, with a marked reduction in anti-social behaviour and public disorder through 2025.

Launched in mid-2024, the targeted policing initiative was funded through the Home Office’s £1 million Hotspot Response Fund, designed to tackle persistent anti-social behaviour (ASB) and serious violence in high-priority areas.

Now active across 18 hotspot zones, Operation Enhance combines high-visibility patrols, youth engagement, business collaboration, and technology to make Cumbrian communities safer and more resilient.

Purpose and Scope

Operation Enhance focuses on reducing anti-social behaviour and serious violence in areas where reports and community feedback have identified consistent problems.

The initiative covers Carlisle, Barrow, Workington, Penrith, Kendal, Maryport, and Whitehaven, among other localities. These locations were selected based on police intelligence, crime trends, and community reporting data.

Each operation is led by local policing teams working closely with Cumberland Council, Westmorland and Furness Council, and partner agencies such as Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service. Together, they deploy officers, technology, and community networks to address issues ranging from vandalism and public nuisance to youth-related disturbances.

A Cumbria Police spokesperson explained that Operation Enhance is about “taking the initiative back to the community — focusing on prevention and engagement, not just enforcement.”

The operation’s timing also coincides with Cumbria’s broader focus on public safety around large gatherings and seasonal events such as the Carlisle Fireshow dispersal order and the Halloween events in Carlisle 2025, both of which drew large crowds requiring visible police presence.

Visible Patrols and Proactive Policing

At the heart of Operation Enhance are high-visibility patrols by both uniformed and plain-clothed officers across high-traffic public areas.

These patrols focus on:

• Town centres during weekend evenings

• Parks, retail districts, and transport hubs

• Licensed premises, schools, and youth gathering points

Officers are supported by Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and neighbourhood volunteers who work directly with businesses and residents to identify recurring problems.

Inspector Andy Leather, who oversees parts of the operation in north Cumbria, said the approach blends prevention with rapid intervention.

“We’re working where it matters most. That means listening to local people, responding to patterns of behaviour, and making sure that our presence is both visible and reassuring. Operation Enhance is about keeping our communities safe — not just responding to incidents but stopping them before they start.”

The operation uses a mix of anti-social behaviour powers, stop-and-search tactics, and targeted arrests when required, but its emphasis remains on education and early engagement, especially among young people.

Community and Business Engagement

Cumbria Police have made community involvement a central pillar of Operation Enhance. Officers conduct regular visits to schools, youth clubs, and businesses, encouraging open communication and shared responsibility.

In Carlisle and Barrow, officers have met with local traders as part of Pubwatch schemes and business security partnerships. These meetings allow shop owners, pub managers, and event organisers to share intelligence directly with police.

Such efforts have led to stronger relationships between law enforcement and local businesses, particularly in evening economies and hospitality zones. Police say this cooperation helps prevent smaller disturbances from escalating into major incidents.

Operation Enhance also dovetails with initiatives such as Operation Roman Candle Carlisle — a seasonal policing effort aimed at managing fireworks-related anti-social behaviour during the Bonfire Night period — ensuring that multiple public safety campaigns work in unison across the county.

Impact and Measurable Outcomes

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Since its launch, Operation Enhance has contributed to an estimated 38% reduction in anti-social behaviour incidents across targeted areas, according to Cumbria Police data reviewed in late 2025.

Reports of public nuisance, street disorder, and youth disturbances have all seen a notable drop. Officers attribute this progress to data-driven deployments that allow teams to focus on high-risk times and locations.

Chief Superintendent Rob O’Connor said the success of Operation Enhance reflects the strength of community collaboration:

“This is not just about enforcement — it’s about being present, proactive, and part of the community. We’ve seen real progress where residents, councils, and local partners have worked hand in hand with our officers.”

In Carlisle city centre, where anti-social behaviour previously spiked during late-night weekends, shopkeepers have reported fewer incidents and improved customer confidence. Similarly, Barrow-in-Furness and Workington have recorded reductions in youth-related nuisance calls.

Residents have expressed appreciation for the increased visibility of police patrols. Many say the changes have made them feel safer walking home at night or visiting city centre areas with their families.

Technology and Intelligence-Led Policing

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Operation Enhance is also driven by technology. Cumbria Police have invested in CCTV upgrades, real-time incident dashboards, and digital communication channels that help officers coordinate faster.

Cameras installed in public spaces and retail zones now integrate with local council monitoring centres, allowing quicker responses to incidents and better evidence collection.

Officers also use community reporting tools and mobile apps to gather intelligence anonymously. Business owners can now share concerns or footage through the Pubwatch platform or local policing WhatsApp groups, improving situational awareness.

These systems mirror the broader success of Cumbria speed cameras — another data-driven enforcement tool — showcasing how technology helps Cumbria Police combine deterrence with accountability.

Partnerships and Public Confidence

Operation Enhance’s progress relies on close partnerships with community groups, local authorities, and schools. Councils such as Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness have collaborated with police to align youth services, mental health outreach, and family support programmes alongside policing operations.

Local community officers have also joined forces with the Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service to provide safety talks and youth diversion activities during weekends and holidays.

Feedback from residents and business owners across the county has been largely positive. Surveys conducted by the force indicate a growing sense of safety and confidence in public spaces.

“The visible presence of police has changed the tone of our town centre,” one Carlisle business owner told local media. “You can see the difference in people’s behaviour — there’s more respect and less intimidation.”

Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond

Cumbria Police have confirmed that Operation Enhance will continue through 2026, with plans to expand patrols and strengthen youth engagement.

Further investments are expected in digital monitoring systems, CCTV infrastructure, and community reporting tools to sustain progress.
The force also aims to integrate Operation Enhance with its wider “Safer Cumbria” framework, which focuses on long-term violence prevention and public confidence building.

Inspector Leather added that community cooperation remains vital to success.

“We’ve made real progress, but it only works because the community plays its part. Reporting incidents, staying engaged, and working with us — that’s what makes the difference.”

As Cumbria moves into another busy winter season, with events like the Fireshow and festive markets attracting large crowds, police say Operation Enhance will remain a cornerstone of their community safety strategy — ensuring visibility, prevention, and trust remain central to modern policing.

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is Operation Enhance by Cumbria Police?

Operation Enhance is a targeted policing initiative launched in 2024 to reduce anti-social behaviour and serious violence in hotspot areas across Cumbria. It combines patrols, technology, and community engagement to make public spaces safer.

2. Why was Operation Enhance launched?

Cumbria Police launched Operation Enhance to tackle persistent anti-social behaviour, youth disturbances, and violence in key communities. The initiative is designed to make towns and cities safer through visible policing and early intervention.

3. Which areas are covered under Operation Enhance?

The operation focuses on 18 hotspot zones across Cumbria, including Carlisle, Barrow, Penrith, Kendal, Workington, Maryport, and Whitehaven, targeting both urban centres and surrounding communities.

4. How is Operation Enhance funded?

Operation Enhance is supported by the Home Office’s Hotspot Response Fund, which provided £1 million in 2024 to help Cumbria Police reduce anti-social behaviour and violence through localised patrols and technology.

5. How has Operation Enhance reduced anti-social behaviour?

According to Cumbria Police data, Operation Enhance has led to a 38% reduction in ASB incidents in targeted areas. This improvement is due to consistent patrols, community cooperation, and CCTV surveillance.

6. What kind of policing does Operation Enhance involve?

The operation includes high-visibility patrols, plain-clothed officers, youth engagement programmes, and business partnerships through schemes like Pubwatch to deter and respond to disorder effectively.

7. How does Operation Enhance connect with other Cumbria Police operations?

Operation Enhance works alongside community initiatives such as Operation Roman Candle Carlisle and public safety measures like the Carlisle Fireshow dispersal order to ensure consistent safety efforts across the county.

8. What role does technology play in Operation Enhance?

Technology is central to the operation. CCTV upgrades, real-time incident dashboards, and digital reporting tools allow police to identify trends quickly and respond faster to emerging issues.

9. What impact has Operation Enhance had on local communities?

Residents and business owners report feeling safer in public spaces. Fewer disturbances, improved nightlife safety, and stronger police-community relations have been noted across Carlisle, Barrow, and Workington.

10. What are Cumbria Police’s future plans for Operation Enhance?

Operation Enhance will continue through 2026 with expanded patrol coverage, youth outreach, and advanced surveillance technology. Cumbria Police plan to build on its early success to make long-term improvements in community safety.