Last updated 11:39, Friday, 16 May 2008

IT IS difficult to disagree with the assessment of Cumbria’s chief constable Craig Mackey that his force is one of the best performing in the UK.

Reported crime in the county is down across the board with 3,300 fewer reported offences than last year and major falls in such areas as robbery and antisocial behaviour.

Burglary and vehicle crime are at 15-year lows. At the same time detection rates have increased, but catching criminals is not the full extent of a police force’s remit.

Good policing is about prevention as well as cure and a force’s success creates momentum which discourages potential offenders.

A police force which is seen to be successful breeds confidence not only among its staff but also throughout the communities it serves.

People are less willing to tolerate crime and more willing to report offences when they feel the might of the law standing shoulder to shoulder with them.

Cumbria Police has had to face difficult issues in recent years such as the prospect of a merger with Lancashire.

Cumbria owes a debt of thanks to all those inside and outside the force who have retained their focus and helped to paint such an encouraging picture.

Any concerns that the force may be content to rest on its laurels appear to be groundless.

Plans for new recruitment and moves to give officers more time on the streets rather than in the office are encouraging signs that the current level of success will serve as a springboard.

Overall,it is encouraging to see that Cumbria remains one of the safest places in the country.

Working together, police and public can help to keep it that way.