Police callouts in Keswick have risen by 30 per cent as people’s frustration over social distancing and other COVID-19 restrictions has boiled over since lockdown was lifted, says the town’s senior officer.
Inspector Steve Waddel’s comments came after Keswick mayor Paul Titley raised concerns about the level of crime — and the type of violent offences being committed — in the town following the mass return of tourists.
“Some things are not as pleasant as they might have been in Keswick over the last few months,” said Mr Titley at the latest online town council meeting.
“Some have experienced some very short-tempered people or worse,” he added, recalling two separate assaults in St John’s Street and Market Square this month.
Insp Waddel, along with Keswick-based PC James Thistlebank, took part in the Zoom meeting, and he told councillors: “Since lockdown, there has been a marked increase in callouts for our services. Compared to this time last year, there is 30 per cent higher demand.”
PC Thistlebank, who described himself as a “Keswick lad”, having been raised in the town, said there had been a change in tourism this year, with anti-social behaviour from some visitors over social distancing rules, particularly on narrow pavements, leading to flashpoints and flare-ups.
“We have had a number of reported incidents regarding public order and we are investigating those. There has been a marked increase in anti-social behaviour and I have seen an increase in drug usage, particularly, as well,” said PC Thistlebank.
He picked out drugs and anti-social behaviour as the two main issues in Keswick, saying the former was a “home-grown problem” involving local people rather than visitors.
Councillor Alexandra Boardman said there was an anti-social behaviour problem in Bank Street where a new bar (Crafty Baa) had opened opposite JD Wetherspoon’s pub.
“Quite a lot of businesses and residents have been complaining that the noise and anti-social behaviour has increased since lockdown was lifted,” she said.
She added that Allerdale Borough Council, which is the licensing authority, had been contacted but said: “We are still getting fights.”
Insp Waddel said police officers had visited both premises earlier in the day to look at arrangements for social distancing both inside and outside the premises.
He added that the smoking area at the Wetherspoon’s pub was being relocated to the back to reduce congestion on Bank Street and that police would “keep a watch on it.”
He said: “Hopefully, these issues will start to reduce from now on,” saying the police wanted to stop the spread of coronavirus rather than prosecute.
