Police in Cumbria is starting 2020 with a week of action tackling crimes the public cares the most about.

In Carlisle officers will target antisocial behaviour, drink driving, city centre night time economy issues such as drink and drug abuse and violence.

In west Cumbria they will focus on shoplifting and the trade in stolen goods, as well as tackling violence at night.

Rural crime will also be at the top of the agenda.

In Penrith, Appleby and Kirkby Stephen, priorities will be cross-border crime, drug taking and antisocial behaviour.

Superintendent for North Cumbria Matt Kennerley and Superintendent for west Cumbria Carl Patrick said they want to send a message to criminals that "this area is no soft touch."

Supt Kennerley said: “Whilst our officers are tackling such issues day in and day out, we will be taking a particularly high-visibility approach to start the year in a concerted effort to proactively target the things that are most important to our communities.”

Supt Patrick added: "This week of action showcases the work going on all the time on behalf of the people of west Cumbria."

Police officers will be working alongside partner agencies.

Just over a year ago, Cumbria police held its last week of action which focused on the newly established Local Focus Hubs set up around the county.

The Hubs have brought police and partners such as fire, health, social workers and councils together, often under one roof, where everyone can discuss issues which impact multiple agencies and draw up a strategy to tackle them.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Rob O’Connor said: “The Local Focus Hubs have been established for at least a year now – in some cases considerably more than that – and we are seeing real results on the ground. The different agencies which once may have been guilty of working in silo are now working side-by-side to resolve the same issues and it is the public which benefits from such an approach.

“A lot of this work typically goes on behind closed doors. However, in January we are seeking to shine a spotlight on the good work of our officer and their colleagues in partner agencies.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall said: “The Local Focus Hubs enable us to work in true partnership with local agencies, statutory organisations and the third sector, all for the benefit of the community. Everyone working together, rather than each one operating alone, can only be a good thing.

“Hubs don’t change the way people report crimes or issues of concerns to the police, but they do alter and improve the way we investigate and seek solutions.

“Through hub referrals we have been able to work in collaboration with partners to tackle issues of ASB and crime with a quick and effective outcome. By pooling expertise, we can all work together to secure the best possible outcomes for the public.

“By pooling expertise and working together we’re able to target the extra officers onto issues which you’ve told us, really matter to local communities.”