Houses in places like Carlisle, Wigton, and Whitehaven have recently experienced burglaries, many of which occurred during the night.
Law enforcement officers are prioritizing investigations into household burglaries through Operation Themis, a special operation aimed at combating these crimes.
While numerous 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 a lower number of these invasive crimes compared to other areas in the country. However, we have always taken this type of offense very seriously.”
“Burglars can target anyone’s home, regardless of age or location. Often, all they are looking for is a vulnerability 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 through open windows.
Det Supt Scott added, “Simple steps such as locking doors, closing out-of-sight windows, and keeping valuable possessions out of view can be effective in preventing incidents.”
“We understand that energy costs are high, but please consider leaving a visible light or lamp on if you are 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 great work done in recent years to ensure that offenders are held accountable.”
“However, we are not complacent and we are doing everything we can to ensure that people feel safe in their homes.”
READ MORE: Carlisle Christmas market: Debate over business impact
The police have provided guidance to help prevent burglaries. This includes:
– Ensuring that your house is secure, preventing someone from entering when you are 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 drawing curtains if you go out at night.
– Considering the installation of a burglar alarm and regularly checking that it works properly.