Police issue advice after burglaries in Carlisle and Wigton

Houses in places including Carlisle [1], Wigton and Whitehaven have been burgled in the last week, with a number happening during the hours of darkness. Officers continue to prioritise all household burglaries, with offences investigated under Operation Themis, the operation tackling these crimes. Numerous arrests and charges have been made in recent months - but officers are keen to stress the simple measures that can stop many opportunistic burglars.

Detective Superintendent Matt Scott said: "Being burgled, especially in your home, can be extremely traumatic. "Cumbria is a safe place to live and we have a much lower number of these types of invasive crimes than in many other parts of the country but we have always taken this type of offence extremely seriously. "When burglars strike, they can target anyone's home, regardless of age or area.

Often all they are looking for is a weakness in home security they can exploit." Burglaries at homes across Cumbria are often spontaneous crimes carried out by opportunist thieves trying door handles or reaching in through open windows. Det Supt Scott added: "Simple steps such as locking doors, not leaving out-of-sight windows open and not leaving valuable possessions in view of potential thieves can be effective in preventing incidents.

"We appreciate energy costs are high, but please consider keeping a visible light or lamp on if you are out. "We would also encourage you to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity you witness. "By reporting information, this not only helps inform us of potential criminal behaviour but it can lead to robust action being taken and offenders being brought to justice.

"We are pleased with the great work done in recent years to ensure offenders are brought to justice. "We are not complacent and we are doing all we can to make sure that people feel safe in their homes." Some simple measures to stop burglars:

Ensure your house is secure, preventing someone entering when you are busy elsewhere in the house or garden.
Lock doors and windows before you go out.
Remove keys from locks and keep out of reach of windows and doors.
Consider installing security cameras.
Leave a light on in a room and draw curtains if you go out at night.
Consider fitting a burglar alarm, checking regularly to ensure they work.

References

^ Carlisle (www.hexham-courant.co.uk)
^ Fewer 'affordable homes' built in Carlisle this year (www.newsandstar.co.uk)