Penrith neighbourhood policing news

Last updated at 15:36, Saturday, 13 February 2010

Your local officers invite you to join neighbourhood watch-
We would like to appeal to all home owners in the rural area to join our neighbourhood watch scheme. In previous years the scheme has been successful in raising public awareness of incidents occurring in there area. The scheme is managed by your local officer and is updated with information as and when we get it. When incidents happen you will get to know as soon as possible. There are also other schemes in operation for businesses and farms these schemes can provide vital information about incidents such as theft of fuel and quad bikes from other farms and businesses in your area. We have found that by raising awareness of other incidents we increase the number of calls we get from people passing us information about suspicious vehicles or persons

Investigation launched after woman assaulted near Lazonby

Detectives from Cumbria Constabulary have launched an investigation into a sex assault that occurred in the Lazonby area in the summer.

At around 8pm on Wednesday 5th August 2009 a 16-yr-old female was jogging on Badgers Lonning near Lazonby in the Eden Valley when she was knocked to the ground by a man and subjected to a physical and sexual assault. It took the victim until now to build up enough courage to talk about her experiences.

The man Police are looking for is described as a white man with a tanned complexion believed to be in his late twenties. He had dark coloured stubble on his chin and cheeks. He had a slim build. He had dark hair on the back of each hand. His eyes were dark brown with long eye lashes and he had thick dark eyebrows and a wide nose. He had dark brown short hair. He was wearing a dark round-neck, long-sleeved top and light brown suede type shoes, which could have been training shoes.

Detective Inspector Doug Marshall from the Force Major Investigation Team, who is leading the enquiry alongside officers from North Cumbria, said: “There are many reasons why victims don’t always come forward at the time of the offence, and now this incident has been reported, the victim has our full support and we are focusing all our efforts on trying to identify the person responsible.

“We are appealing for local people and visitors to the Lazonby area to cast their mind back to Wednesday the 5th August, did you notice anything or anyone acting suspiciously? Do you recognise the description of the suspect?

"The assault took place during the summer holidays when the skies were still bright at eight in the evening, so someone may have noticed someone acting suspiciously while they were walking their dog or driving in the area. It is a remote and picturesque spot, popular with walkers so something out of the ordinary, such as a suspicious vehicle or someone loitering, may stand out in your memory.

"I am sure the public have a strong part to play in helping us solve this crime, so I would urge you to contact us with any information you may have, however small.

"We don't want the local community to feel unsafe. The Eden Valley is a beautiful and safe place to live, however, this unusual incident highlights the importance of people taking steps to protect themselves by being aware of their surroundings and looking out for one another. If you have any concerns, speak to your neighbourhood policing team, who can provide further crime prevention advice."

Anyone with any information about the incident is urged to contact Cumbria Police on 0845 33 00 247, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or speak to any Police Officer. The local Neighbourhood Policing Team is led by Inspector Richard Quinn. To speak to one of his team contact 0845 33 00 247.

Community Meeting Dates:

9th March 2010 at 7pm, Penrith rugby Club.
21st April 2010 at 7pm, Penrith Rugby Club.
26th May 2010 at 7pm, Alston Town Hall.
24th June 2010 at 7pm, Penrith Rugby Club.

0845 33 00 247 or e-mail penrithNPT@cumbria.police.uk

First published at 22:19, Tuesday, 15 September 2009
Published by http://www.penrithlocal.co.uk