Houses in places like Carlisle, Wigton, and Whitehaven have recently experienced burglaries, many of which occurred during the night.
Law enforcement officials are prioritizing investigations into these household burglaries under Operation Themis.
While several arrests and charges have been made in recent months, officers want to emphasize the simple measures that can deter opportunistic burglars.
Detective Superintendent Matt Scott stated, “Experiencing a burglary, especially in your own home, can be extremely traumatic.
“Cumbria is generally a safe place to live, with fewer invasive crimes compared to other areas in the country. However, we have always taken this type of offense very seriously.”
“Burglars can strike any home, regardless of age or location. They often look for weaknesses in home security that they can exploit.”
Burglaries in homes across Cumbria are typically spontaneous crimes committed by opportunistic thieves who try door handles or reach through open windows.
Det Supt Scott added, “Simple steps like locking doors, closing out-of-sight windows, and keeping valuable possessions out of view can effectively prevent incidents.
“We understand that energy costs are high, but please consider leaving a visible light or lamp on if you’re not at home.
“We also encourage you to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity you observe.
“By reporting information, you not only help us identify potential criminal behavior but also contribute to taking strong action and bringing offenders to justice.
“We are pleased with the progress made in recent years to ensure that offenders face consequences.
“However, we are not complacent and are doing everything we can to ensure that people feel safe in their homes.”
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The police have provided guidance to help prevent burglaries. This includes:
– Ensuring your house is secure, preventing someone from entering while you’re occupied elsewhere in the house or garden.
– Locking doors and windows before leaving. Remove keys from locks and keep them out of reach of windows and doors.
– Considering the installation of security cameras.
– Leaving a light on in a room and closing curtains if you go out at night.
– Considering the installation of a burglar alarm and regularly checking that it works properly.