A COUNCILLOR is warning people across the area to be vigilant about crime this Christmas season.

As the festive frenzy begins, people in south Cumbria are being warned to be extra wary about crime over the coming weeks.

Millom residents have been warned about a whole spectrum of crime that can be rife around Christmas time, from cyber crime, to cheque fraud, to burglary.

Town councillor Ray Cole was eager to warn people about hidden dangers at a meeting on Wednesday night.

He said: "Please be aware of cyber fraud. It's becoming much more common and now one in five people are affected.

"People need to be careful with banking online. There's a scam going on with a well-known organisation which is having major problems so keep checking your bank online.

"Also be careful when you go to a cash machine and watch for people standing close to you.

"They're not being friendly - they have devices that can pick up card information."

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Councillor Jane Micklethwaite echoed Cllr Cole's concerns but also wanted to turn people's attentions to another type of crime.

Cllr Micklethwaite is warning people to be careful if sending cheques and claims this type of fraud is much more common than cyber crime.

If anyone believes they may be a victim of cheque fraud, they should contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

However, the council is also warning people of a much more visible type of crime after Cumbria Police issued some helpful advice on keeping homes safe this Christmas.

Temporary chief inspector Dave Stalker said: “Each year we see someone’s Christmas ruined by thieves and what is worse is that some of these incidents could be prevented by taking simple precautions such as locking doors and windows.

“Criminals certainly do not stop because it is Christmas and they will see this as an opportune time of the year with people out shopping, on holiday or visiting family and friends. We certainly do not want thieves to steal your Christmas and there needs to be some thought given by members of the public as to what they do to ensure that their house is not burgled.

“Be aware where you keep your gifts and don’t advertise the fact that you have completed your Christmas shopping on social media as this may alert potential thieves.

"If you are out of the house please always check that your home is secure. If you are leaving your home for a length of time, let a trusted neighbour, friend or family member know to check everything is ok. Make sure that everything is locked before you leave and do not advertise that there will be an empty house.”