Houses in places like Carlisle, Wigton, and Whitehaven have recently experienced burglaries, many of which occurred during the night.
Law enforcement officers are prioritizing household burglaries and investigating them under Operation Themis, a special operation dedicated to combating these crimes.
While there have been several arrests and charges 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 a lower number of invasive crimes compared to other areas in the country. However, we take this type of offense very seriously.”
“Burglars can target anyone’s home, regardless of age or location. They often look for vulnerabilities in home security that they can exploit.”
Burglaries in homes across Cumbria are often impulsive crimes committed by opportunistic thieves who try door handles or reach in 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 witness.
“By reporting information, you not only help us identify potential criminal behavior, but it can also lead to strong action being taken and offenders being brought to justice.
“We are proud of the progress made in recent years to ensure offenders are held accountable.
“However, we are not complacent and will continue to do everything we can to ensure 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 when 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 installing security cameras.
– Leaving a light on in a room and drawing curtains if you go out at night.
– Considering fitting a burglar alarm and regularly checking that it works properly.