YOU SIAD
Youths causing anti-social behaviour and damage around Whitehaven town centre.
Information from local businesses and residents through PACT survey responses and calls for service.

Priority raised 18 January 2025, still current as defined in PACT surveys, information from partner agencies and local council and residents

WE DID
High visibility and plain clothes patrols will be carried out in the area around targeted hotspot locations.

Positive action will be taken to deter offenders from committing Anti-Social Behaviour.
Several youths have been stop searched following recent reported incidents of ASB and damage, appropriate action has been taken accordingly such as It’s Your Choice forms.

Dispersal Order issued 14.03.25 for Whitehaven town – 2 youths dealt with for laying in the road and blocking the drive through at McDonalds, parents contacted to collect.

15.03.25 6-8pm, Continued high visability foot patrol in ASB Hot spots and mobile police desk held in Bridges Retail Park

12.04.25 Mobile police desk held in Bridges Retail Park

28.04.25 – youths found climbing on roof of empty derelict building, advised re dangers and to leave area, letters sent home to parents.

08.06.25 – ten youths were stop searched for items to cause criminal damage.

09.06.25 – Chapel St. two male youths were arrested for causing danger to road users after reports of them throwing large items into the carriageway.
Following numerous reports of criminal damage and youth ASB other the last few weeks extensive CCTV enquiries have been conducted within the town centre with both businesses and residential properties. A core group of 10-12 youths have been identified as being responsible, These will be dealt with for criminal offences as well as Anti social behaviour
15.06.2025 - reports of youths messing about on scaffolding within town centre and causing damage, CCTV enquiries conducted to identify those involved.

28.06.2025 - reports received of youths in St. Nicholas Gardens pulling up plants, officers attended and spoke to group who will be dealt with for any identified offences following CCTV enquiries.

Following enquiries into the above incidents a number of youths have been identified as being involved. These crimes are being dealt with through various methods such as youth community resolutions and acceptable behaviour contracts.

22-31 July - three reports of youths climbing on scaffolding around town centre, concerned for welfare. Youths located and spoken to re dangers.

23.07.25 - youths banging on doors and throwing things around car park of Trinity Court. Youths located and spoken to about behaviour.

28.07.25 - report of eggs being thrown by youths at cars on Catherine Street, area search conducted but youths not found. Local shops spoken to and advised to be vigilant about sales/theft of such items.

Since last update four youths have now completed reparation sessions such as car washes and litter picks as part of their community resolution agreements for the offences they had committed. And an acceptable behaviour contract with certain conditions has been given to one of the more prolific offenders.

YOU SAID
Drug use around Whitehaven town centre
Information from local residents

Priority raised 21 March 2025, still current as defined in PACT surveys, information from partner agencies and local council and residents

WE DID
High visibility foot patrols around hot spots, stop searches conducted on several individuals, with two positive stop searches in March to date (15th) where drugs have been and found and seized.
April 2025 - two stop searches conducted

May 2025 - 16 Stop searches conducted under the Misuse of drugs Act - two positive results

- 29.05.25 – male occupant has been issued with a NOSP (notice of seeking possession) by Home Group following reports of drug use and ASB linked to their flat.

- 16.06.25 – male arrested for drug driving and possession, with quantity of drugs seized. Investigations are ongoing into other linked offences.
18.06.2025 - male arrested on Queen St. for possession of non-prescribed tablets.

21.06.2025 - male arrested following stop search on Duke St. and found in possession drugs.

27.06.2025 - female driver arrested on High St. following positive drug wipe. Investigation ongoing.

08.07.2025 - joint visit conducted with CFRS at an address of concern on Corkickle, Whitehaven due drug activity and state of property. Further visits and joint working planned with Cumberland Council to tackle the problem.

Officers continue to target drug use/supply around the town centre conducting stop searches where appropriate.
22.07.25 - male arrested following a stop search on Queen Street on suspicion of drug possession with intent to supply. Investigation ongoing.

28.07.25 - male arrested for drug driving on Scotch Street following vehicle stop based around current intel. Investigation ongoing.

04.08.25 - two people were arrested for drug driving offences during our recent traffic related day of action (Op. Colossus) on Duke Street.

07.08.25 - a section 23 misuse of drugs act warrant was executed on a property on Peter Street following information received from the public.

If you have information in relation to drug related offences or supply this can be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers online or phoning 0800 555 111.