Millom & South Copeland
Welcome to the September edition of your Neighbourhood Policing Newsletter.
Our team continue to work hard to keep our community safe, connected, and informed. From tackling anti-social behaviour and our area priorities it’s been a busy and productive few weeks.
Inspector Richard Massey
You said, we did – anti-social driving
You said: anti-social driving and use of E-scooters in Millom Town Centre and Haverigg was an issue. The main locations reported were Horn Hill (near junction to Moor Road and North Lane), Kirksanton, Silecroft, The Green & The Hill. This remains a priority in September.
- 21 August – man arrested following a collision on Horn Hill for driving whilst over the prescribed limit for alcohol. Charged, due in court 22 September.
- 22 August – three vehicle collision at Moor Road, Millom. Offending driver made off, later arrested for being over the alcohol limit.
- 23 August – fail to stop collision at Lapstone Road, Millom. Investigation ongoing.
- 10 September – vehicle seized for no tax.
Spiking is a crime
It can happen to anyone, anywhere – by strangers or even people you know.
If you feel more drunk than expected or suddenly unwell, seek help immediately.
You are not to blame. You will be believed.
You said, we did – Millom
You said: PACT surveys highlighted drugs and driving offences in Millom.
We did: Officers observed a man from Millom suspected of driving under the influence. On 20 April 2025, he failed a roadside drug wipe, was arrested, and later charged following positive blood test results.
The man, Simon Hall, attended court on 25 September and was found guilty. Sentence:
- 12 month driving ban
- £48 surcharge
- £85 costs to CPS
- £120 fine
We thank the community for making us aware of this issue.
Man arrested following fail to stop
Over recent weeks, information was received regarding a vehicle being used around Millom without the necessary documents.
On 11 September, PC James Wrigley and PC Emily Tyson sighted the vehicle. The driver failed to stop, leading officers on a 10-minute pursuit around Whicham Valley, ending when he collided with a wall. He fled on foot but was quickly apprehended.
The driver was arrested for multiple driving offences, including dangerous driving. Case to be presented to CPS; update will follow.
Operation Enhance: Officers continue to keep your streets safe!
Operation Enhance aims to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) and serious violence in hotspot areas. In Copeland, Whitehaven town centre and Cleator Moor each saw two more ASB reports in August 2025 compared to August 2024.
Officers are deployed daily in hotspot areas, engaging with residents and businesses, tackling crime, and making town centres welcoming. Serious violence across Cumbria dropped 21.4% (42 offences to 33).
Operation Enhance is supported by £1m funding from Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner via the Government’s Hotspot Response Fund.
Report ASB: visit the constabulary website, call 101, or 999 in emergencies.
Upcoming community police events
- Millom library – Mon 13 October 2025, 5:00–6:00 PM
- The Green, Thwaites Village Hall car park – Tue 14 October 2025, 5:00–6:00 PM
- Byre car park, Bootle – Sat 25 October 2025, 3:00–4:00 PM
- Haverigg beach car park (opposite Betty’s café) – Sun 26 October 2025, 3:00–4:00 PM
Visit the police website “Your Area” section to find details.
Your local officers
Find your local team at www.cumbria.police.uk. Enter your postcode to see named officers, PCSOs, priorities, and events.
Careers in policing
Thinking about becoming a police officer? You can make a difference. Routes include:
- Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (work and study).
- Police Constable Entry Programme (2 years, training + patrols).
- Professional Policing Degree Graduate route.
- PCEP Detective Constable pathway (specialist training).
- Transferees from other forces welcome.
More: www.cumbria.police.uk/careers
Extra measures against spiking
Anti-spiking products distributed and patrols increased to keep nightlife safe. Backed by Cumbria Police, University of Cumbria, Police & Crime Commissioner, Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness Councils.
Romance fraud warning
Police remind victims: it is never your fault. Fraudsters use fake profiles to build trust and request money or steal identities. Victims should not feel embarrassed – speak up.
Operation Checkpoint
54 vehicles stopped on 17 September 2025 during this multi-force rural crime operation. Focus on acquisitive crime, wildlife, and poaching offences. Rural communities urged to stay vigilant.
Report crime or ASB
- Call 999 in an emergency.
- Report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it.
- Use Live Chat for real-time communication with officers.
- Call 101 for non-emergencies.
- Contact Crimestoppers anonymously: 0800 555 111.
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