THE CONSTABULARY has praised the work of police officers despite the challenges of an unprecedented year which saw crime fall in Allerdale.

Radar first revealed data from the Office for National Statistics that represent a decrease of 19 per cent in the last 12 months to March.

Cumbria Constabulary recorded 5,854 offences in Allerdale, a 19 per cent decrease on 7,270 the previous year.

Sexual offences decreased 20 per cent with 242 offences. Violent offences decreased 17 per cent with 2,514 recorded. Incidents of criminal damage and arson were down 28 per cent.

However, drug offences were up by 44 per cent with 273. Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall said: “It would be disingenuous not to suggest there’s been some fall in crime because of lockdowns.”

But he said that the increase in police recruitment and visibility on the streets has played a part.

“It has been as a result of a lot of hard work by police, they’ve had an exceptional year.”

The PCC added that the challenges are not over for Cumbria Police. He said: “The police have got the added of the extra visitors coming into the county and we’re already seeing the effect of that.”

Incidents of criminal damage were down 38 per cent, the largest fall of any kind of offence that year with 1,281. The PCC added that additional work is needed on domestic abuse and county lines drug offences.

274 drug offences were recorded in the 12 months to March an increase of 25 per cent.

Superintendent Gaynor Wardle said: “Our officers and staff adapted rapidly to the immense challenges of helping limit the spread of Covid-19 while dealing with the everyday policing demands of keeping people safe and preventing and solving crime.

“During the first wave of Covid-19 demand for traditional policing services did reduce, enabling us to concentrate on our role in the Covid-19 response. There have been many notable developments which took place to support our communities and provide them with the best possible policing service."

Developments include successful use of new legislation, such as Stalking Protection Orders. As well as launching child-centred policing teams, hosting of weekly social media surgeries on domestic abuse and child exploitation

Billy Gazard, from the ONS said: “The coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on patterns of crime.

"There were large decreases in theft offences, such as domestic burglary and theft from the person, as more people stayed at home and limited their social contact."