Police urge residents and visitors to enjoy safe and crime-free Easter

Officers are encouraging Cumbrian residents and tourists to enjoy a safe, crime-free Easter as the county welcomes an influx of visitors.

As schools break up and visitors arrive to enjoy the attractions that Cumbria has to offer, police are urging people to secure their vehicles to avoid falling victim to opportunist thieves.

The number of thefts from motor vehicles traditionally rises around the Easter holidays so officers will be displaying posters, issuing crime prevention advice and targeting their patrols towards car parks at popular tourist spots in a bid to deter criminals. Officers will be out and about in vulnerable areas to speak to drivers to make them stop and think before leaving their vehicles insecure or valuables on display.

Assistant Chief Constable Jerry Graham said: “A significant number of thefts from motor vehicles occur in car parks at rural beauty spots as thieves target tourists who can leave valuable items like cameras, sat navs and mobile phones on show.

“It takes seconds for a thief to break into your car to steal your property but it can take you even less time to remove your property and lock your vehicle – and save you the inconvenience and heartache.

“Officers will proactively target these areas on their patrols to reassure the public and provide help or advice if needed, but we need people to remember to lock it or lose it. Avoid parking in isolated spots with poor lighting and don't leave valuable items in view – remove them from your vehicle altogether, or at least put them out of sight.

“We will be continuing our efforts over the coming months to target thefts from vehicles. We will have extra high visibility and covert patrols targeting car parks, vulnerable parking bays in remote areas, and there will be increased CCTV coverage of target areas. However, we need motorists all around the county to take heed of our warning and secure their vehicles - wherever they are. By taking responsibility for your vehicle and securing or removing your property, we can work together to deter thieves and reduce this type of crime in Cumbria.”