Last updated at 13:00, Tuesday, 29 July 2008

PC Andy Robertson has been a Community officer covering Silloth since 1991. he is to be rejoined by his colleague Lindsey Noblett, a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) on the 1st September after a break from the streets of Silloth on maternity leave.

PC Andy Robertson

Andy said, "I've seen kids grow up who are now parents themselves. I taught them cycling proficiency when they were young. Local knowledge and experience is vital in a community role."

Andy knows how important a police presence is to a local community and is pleased that a Silloth PCSO will be a permanent feature again this summer. Police have also recently organised new 'police surgeries' to be held at Silloth Fire Station. They are designed to provide some face to face contact with a police officer and as an opportunity for people to call in and speak to an officer. They will be held on the first Monday every other month between 2pm and 4pm.

Andy said, "We're keen that we are accessible to local people. Although there is not a manned office in Silloth, people can always phone the main switchboard on 0845 300247. If they want to speak to me directly then an email message will always be left for me if I am not on duty."

As far as the community role goes in Silloth, it's a fairly quiet beat for PC Roberts. Typical issues arise around underage drinking in the summer months and a general level of anti-social behaviour. The police now employ KIN (Key Individuals Network) surveys in their work with anti-social issues. Local residents affected can notify police of specific issues and how they are affected by completing KIN surveys and giving the police a good sense of what the real issues are surrounding reported problems. It means that everybody is consulted on issues and made aware of any actions undertaken.

A pubwatch scheme in Silloth and the surrounding area, now including twenty four members is a good deterrent. The alternatives for drinking if you are banned from Silloth and the surrounding area are limited and with the off-license also taking part in the scheme, the deterrent has so far proved to be a big success in reducing drunken incidents within the town.

PC Andy Robertson is in no doubt that Silloth is the place to be policing, he said "Seventeen years in and I'm still going. Somebody said I'm like the Queen, always waving to somebody."

First published at 12:00, Tuesday, 29 July 2008
Published by http://www.sillothlocal.co.uk