CUMBRIA Police are taking direct action against anti-social behaviour. 

The constabulary has launched Operation Enhance, which is said to be a county-wide crackdown on ASB.

On social media, police officers have been encouraging members of the public to report any type of activity like this to the relevant authorities. 

They are also reminding the public that they can now report crimes online. 

The police say Operation Enhance is dedicated to tackling ASB and serious violence, focusing on 18 hotspot areas.

If people do witness an emergency incident taking place they are urged to contact 999. 

A Cumbria Police spokesperson said: "Operation Enhance is Cumbria Police's new county-wide crackdown on anti-social behaviour (ASB) and serious violence, alongside partners.

"Cumbria’s police, fire and crime commissioner secured an additional £1m of extra funding from the Government’s Hotspot Response Fund to target anti-social behaviour (ASB) and serious violence in hotspot areas across the county.

"There will be extra police patrols in areas identified as hotspots for anti-social behaviour and/or serious violence across the county. These areas include areas of Carlisle, Barrow, Workington, Whitehaven, Kendal, Penrith, Maryport, Cleator Moor, Ulverston and Bowness-on-Windermere.

"These high visibility patrols will also target those who commit serious violence in these areas too – including arson, robbery and violence including sexual assaults - to ensure the safety of our communities."

Examples of antisocial behaviour include substance misuse, drinking alcohol in public, graffiti and vandalism, misuse of fireworks, and making hoax calls. 

Some examples of antisocial behaviour like drug dealing and criminal damage are also criminal offences. These types of offences can result in arrest and prosecution. 

The spokesperson added: "Anti-social behaviour refers to a wide range of unacceptable activities that adversely affect people’s lives on a daily basis. It leaves victims feeling helpless, desperate, and drastically reduces their quality of life.

"ASB can involve actions that cause harm to individuals, the community, or the environment. It encompasses behaviour that leaves you feeling alarmed, harassed, or distressed, including fear of crime, concerns about public safety, public disorder, or public nuisance."