Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall said: “As we approach the festive season, for many of us it is a good time of year to catch up with friends and family – but for the Police and other emergency services it is a busy time of year. I would like to thank all those people who will be working hard over the Christmas period to keep us all safe.
“I would also like to say a big ‘thank you’ to all the Police Officers, Specials, PCSOs, police staff and our many volunteers for all their hard work over the last year to keep us safe. I am proud to say that Cumbria is one of the safest counties in the country and as Police and Crime Commissioner I am committed to keeping it that way. Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has graded the force as good, and I believe that this will remain the case if we all work together to keep our communities safe.
“We are blessed to have a professional and dedicated force and I am sincerely grateful to every member of staff for their efforts on our behalf.
“In the spirit of ‘we – not they’, we all have our own part to play in keeping Christmas safe. I think in Cumbias we should be proud of the community spirit that so many people demonstrate in their support of the police, willingness to get involved in activities like Speedwatch, Farmwatch, Operation Checkpoint and so many other initiatives including just passing on vital information. Without this support the job of the police would be so much more difficult. As the season of goodwill, Christmas is a time for community and I would like to take this opportunity to ask you to remember the most vulnerable in your communities; those who may be lonely or homeless, those who are struggling financially or with relationships.
“Sadly Christmas is not an enjoyable time for all. But, by taking the time to look out for each other we can help to keep each other safe and very often make a real difference to someone’s life.
“Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a safe and peaceful Christmas and all the best for 2019. I am looking forward to continuing to get out and about in the county, and hope to meet as many people as possible. It is only by listening to you that I can do my job effectively. I have no doubt that 2019 will continue to present challenges, but I remain committed to working with the police, partner agencies and the public of Cumbria to keep our county among the safest places in the country to live work and visit.”
Chief Constable Michelle Skeer, Cumbria Constabulary, said: “Christmas can be a wonderful time of year for people and I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable festive period.
“The Christmas period is no different to any other day of the year as our police officers, staff, PCSOs and volunteers will be working hard to keep people safe. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their continued commitment.
“I would encourage anyone that requires our services this festive period to please get in touch.
“It has been a busy year for the Constabulary and we look forward to once again working with our partner agencies and the public in the New Year. We will continue to do all that we possibly can to ensure the public continue to receive an effective service from their high-performing police force.
“Have an amazing Christmas and New Year period, be kind to one another and all the very best for 2019.”