Community Beat Officer success in Keswick
Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (DPFCC) Mike Johnson, met with Keswick’s Community Beat Officer (CBO), PC Don Mackenzie recently, to hear more about the positive work of the Police in the community.
PC Don Mackenzie started in Keswick as the dedicated Community Beat Officer on 23rd May 2023. In his first six months in the area (1st June to 1st December) overall crime reduced by 17%, ASB reduced by 12.5% and Burglary dropped by 33% in Keswick. PC Mackenzie has been instrumental in setting up the new ‘shopwatch’ initiative with local businesses, which allows for better communication between local shops and the Police, targeting shoplifters. He also works closely with the PCSO for Keswick, engages with the community and helps to solve problems through effective joint working with partners.
DPFCC Mike Johnson comments: “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.
“Community Beat Officers are part of the Neighbourhood Policing Team and provide a consistent presence in our local towns and villages, such as Keswick.
“Having dedicated officers in our communities is a great way to understand both the people and issues which need to be addressed, especially in our more isolated rural locations.
“The success of Community Beat Officers, such as PC Don Mackenzie in Keswick, speaks for itself, as in his first six months in the area (1st June to 1st December), overall crime reduced by 17%, ASB reduced by 12.5% and Burglary dropped by 33% in Keswick.”
Inspector Pete Aiston comments: “The introduction of a dedicated Community Beat Officer (CBO) in Keswick has been very successful. We can already see the positive impact PC Mackenzie has had in the community, with a marked reduction in crime and anti-social behaviour.
“Working closely with the dedicated PCSO, PC Mackenzie has engaged with the community, local businesses and the Town Council to find out what issues are affecting them. Our officers use a problem-solving approach to tackle local issues, and regularly work alongside schools when dealing with youth related crime or anti-social behaviour.
“Community Beat Officers provide a visible presence to help keep people safe, by targeting those who cause harm and help improve trust and confidence in communities.”
To keep up to-date, find information with the work of your local neighbourhood policing team, get the latest advice and find out what officers are doing to tackle crime in your area, go to: Home | Cumbria Police
