PCC Peter McCall’s Christmas Message
“Christmas for many people is a happy time of year, and an opportunity to enjoy spending some quality time relaxing with family and friends – and that is as it should be. However, disappointingly, this is also a time of year when we see spikes in crimes such as domestic abuse and drink and drug driving. So as well as wanting to wish you all a very happy Christmas, I would also like to offer a reminder on some other important messages.
“Firstly, please don’t drink and drive. There is simply no need to and it is totally unacceptable. It is easy to make alternative arrangements to get home and where this is possible, simply don’t drink or take drugs. There is simply no excuse to put your own or somebody else’s life at risk by making a decision to drive whilst under the influence, it’s not worth it.
“Secondly, we are committed to doing what we can to tackle domestic abuse, and together with our partners we are working to put a stop to it. However, we cannot achieve this if incidents are not reported, so we need your help too. Please have the confidence to take that first step, and make that call, where someone is waiting to help. If you are aware of domestic or indeed any abuse of another person please report it to the police.
“On a happier note, this year I’ve been so lucky to meet so many people doing great things around our county to help and support others. I know it can seem like a cliché or even patronising but I am blessed in my job to feel the strength of the community spirit which makes and maintains Cumbria as the safe place that we have all come to appreciate and expect. I am so grateful to all of the volunteers running clubs, organisations and partners who contribute to keeping our youngsters constructively busy, helping others and our communities to keep safe in a multitude of ways.
“I would also like to say a big ‘thank you’ to all the Police Officers, Specials, PCSOs and police staff for all their hard work over the last year to keep us safe and especially those that are working over the busy Christmas period. Our force has also been recognised by Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Constabularies as being good at what they do in several important reports this year. We are blessed to have a professional and dedicated force and I am sincerely grateful to every member of staff for their efforts on our behalf.
“I often talk about ‘we not they’ and Christmas is no different to any other time of year. We must all look out for ourselves and each other whether that is keeping our homes secure, looking out for neighbours, particularly the elderly who may be alone and vulnerable and who would always appreciate someone popping in to say hello, (please consider it – it won’t take a moment but would make somebody’s day) or reporting a crime.
“Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a safe and peaceful Christmas and all the best for 2018. I am looking forward to getting out and about in the county next year, and hope to meet as many people as possible, it is only by listening to you that I can do my job effectively. 2018 will no doubt continue to present challenges, but I remain committed to working with the police, partner agencies and the public of Cumbria to keep our county among the safest places in the country to live work and visit.
“Have a very Happy Christmas and a Wonderful New Year.”
Ends
