A police operation targeting shoplifting and antisocial behaviour issues in Workington town centre is having some success.

After a rise in reports of thefts from shops in Workington and fears that these would increase in the run up to Christmas, a PCSO-led operation was set up earlier this month.

Police say the operation is seeing positive results but there is more to be done.

Sergeant Lorraine Murphy said: “We are two weeks in and the feedback we have received from local businesses has been extremely positive.

"Anecdotally, we appear to be seeing a noticeable reduction in the number of shop thefts as we put high-visibility patrols into the town centre in a bid to support businesses and offer reassurance to everyone who comes into the town to work and to shop.

“Shop owners regularly see an increase in such offending as we near Christmas but we are finding that, by working together with businesses, we are seeing some excellent results.”

The operation will continue until Christmas.

Police also want to reduce levels of antisocial behaviour in the town centre. A large proportion of these reported incidents happen around the back lane which runs behind the shops from Murray Road to Upton Street.

Police say reports are often not made until the following day, making detection of such offences extremely difficult.

Earlier this month the police resubmitted an application – supported by local business owners – to Allerdale Council to install gates at both ends of the lane which will be locked in the evenings.

In the meantime, police have put other measures in place to reduce antisocial behaviour.

Sgt Murphy said: “As a temporary measure, PCSOs are using one of the new powers recently given to them by the chief constable which allows them to disperse from the area any person whose presence or behaviour has resulted or is likely to result in any member of the public being harassed, alarmed or distressed or due to the occurrence of crime and disorder.

“Again, the feedback we have received is that these powers are having the desired effect. Word has got out that antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated in the town centre and we are seeing improvements as a result.”