CUMBRIA Police have been putting measures in place to tackle the issue of anti-social behaviour by groups of teenagers in Carlisle city centre.

The response was launched following a rise in reports of trouble involving groups of children, aged between 11 and 17, who have gathered, particularly at weekends, prompting concerns from shoppers and businesses.

Reports received include incidents of criminal damage, assault, public order offences, loitering and general anti-social behaviour.

As an immediate result, Police say that extra patrols were deployed to the city centre to offer reassurance to the public.

Their presence – on top of already allocated patrols - also aims to deter any problems and to gather and deal with any crimes reported.

Key times and locations have been targeted – and officers have been wearing body cameras to capture evidence.

On top of the preventative measures, some suspected key troublemakers have been identified and officers have begun visiting them at home in front of their parents.

Inspector Mike Taylor leads the Carlisle Neighbourhood Policing Team. He said: “The public quite rightly raised concerns about anti-social behaviour in the city centre, concerns that we share and are working hard to tackle.

“We have listened to what they have told us and our patrol strategy has been changed as a result, with more resources directed towards the problem areas, particularly at peak times for reports.

“We have also regularly used dispersal orders to move on groups suspected of being involved in anti-social behaviour – a power we do not take lightly but will use if it is necessary to do so.

“We have been visiting suspected participants involved in this anti-social behaviour at home and if there is evidence of further offending, we will look at our next options, such as legal injunctions.”

Inspector Taylor added: “Young people are part of our society and of course have the right to meet their friends in the city centre.

“But if this results in people being intimidated or businesses being subject to problems as a result, we will take appropriate action.

“We are also working with our partners in the local authorities and in schools for their input into helping solve this issue.

“We need children and young people to understand the impact actions such as this can have so appealing through schools is vital.

“I would also appeal for the support of the parents of those who may be involved to check where their child is going of a weekend and of an evening.”

Inspector Taylor said: “This is just one recent example of the work carried out by neighbourhood teams in Carlisle.

"Our officers are part of the communities they serve and work hard all-year-round, engaging with the public and doing their best to deter and solve crime and keep people safe.”

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, said: “This week, the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) are highlighting the vital services of our neighbourhood policing teams, which is important, as much of the work goes unseen, to shine a spotlight on the great work being done within our communities.

“The heart of neighbourhood policing is their desire to help people. They support us, aim to prevent problems before they happen and strive to keep our communities safe.

“Neighbourhood policing involves understanding local problems that may cause harm or threaten the safety of others. Their role is to identify issues, work with partner agencies and to support vulnerable people, at a time when it is needed most.

“We also need to remember that these officers are people too, and their willingness to risk their own safety to protect others, is brave, courageous and credit to their commitment to the job and they are able to do that best when we the public, work with them as a team.”