A policing operation focusing on the night-time economy has been relaunched.
Operation Regulate, which is Westmorland and Furness' dedicated policing initiative, was reinstated in Ulverston and Windermere on the weekend of September 20 and 21.
The move came after concerns were raised by communities in these areas.
In the run-up to the weekend, the Westmorland and Furness Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) visited the University of Cumbria Ambleside campus during Freshers' Week to discuss safety and issues such as spiking.
On the evening of September 20, officers conducted high-visibility foot patrols in Ulverston town centre, visiting licensed premises.
This activity was repeated in Bowness-on-Windermere on the evening of September 21.
Across both areas, 25 licensed premises were visited by the police and the Licensing Authority.
Full checks were conducted to ensure compliance with licence conditions, toilets were checked for evidence of drug use, and staff were spoken to about the adoption and promotion of the Ask For Angela campaign.
Additional licensed premises in Barrow, Eden, and Kendal were also visited over the same weekend.
Officers carried out several stop searches as part of the patrol activity, resulting in the recovery of drugs and an offensive weapon.
The operation coincided with National Anti-Spiking Intensification Week, which ran from September 16 to 22.
In support of this, the Welfare Hub was opened over the weekend to distribute anti-spiking and personal safety products and provide information and advice.
On Friday, September 20, the Welfare Hub was located in the foyer of Ulverston Business Centre on New Market Street, Ulverston, from 7pm until midnight.
On Saturday, September 21, it was open on the grounds of St Martin’s Church, Bowness on Windermere, also from 7pm to midnight.
On both evenings, the NPT was supported by volunteers from Westmorland and Furness Council.
T/Sergeant Becky Hunter, neighbourhood policing, said: "Operation Regulate has been reinstated in response to concerns from the local communities in Ulverston and Windermere.
"Over the weekend we had officers in both locations who were there to reassure both the local residents and those using the night-time economy that we support safe and peaceful use of the local pubs and bars, but that anti-social behaviour, violence, and drug use will not be tolerated.
"Our welfare hubs were also running to offer support and a safe space for anyone who came into difficulty during a night out.
"We hope that our presence in these areas and proactive work will assist those who need us on a night out, as well as act as a deterrent to anyone thinking about committing any kind of crime."
Cumbria’s Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: "It’s absolutely vital that residents, students, and visitors feel safe on a night out here in the county and I’m pleased to see our police being pro-active in ensuring this.
"As Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner it is my job to be the voice of the public within policing so it’s really positive to see that the local NPT have listened to the concerns of their residents and taken action to reassure the public.
"The Welfare Hubs are a great resource – initial funding provided from my Office via the Home Office’s Safety of Women at Night Fund – that started in Carlisle and has now expanded.
"I would encourage anyone that sees the Welfare Hub when out at night and needs help, to approach the police and volunteers – they are there to help."
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