Police are reaching out to rural communities following a number of thefts within rural areas across Cumbria.

In recent months, Cumbria has seen an increasing number of quadbike thefts. Officers believe that local people hold the key to disrupting and helping police apprehend offenders.

Officers are reaching out to those who use the rural road network and live and work in rural areas to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police or via the Crimestoppers line - 0800 555 111.

Detective Chief Inspector David Cooper said: “We have recently seen an increased number of thefts within the rural community, specifically quadbikes.

“This type of crime disrupts our rural communities and adversely affects the local economy.

“Therefore we are appealing to local people who live and work in our rural communities to be vigilant day and night.

“It could be a suspicious vehicle or person or someone driving a quadbike you don’t recognise or who seems out of place with the vehicle or circumstances. We are asking you to follow your instincts and report what you witness. Your information, no matter how insignificant you may deem it, could lead to us catching such criminals.

“Officers will continue to patrol rural areas to provide reassurance to victims and communities, however to assist us in our efforts to apprehend these criminals, your support through reporting any suspicious activity or vehicles would be greatly appreciated.

“Anyone who has any information can contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

If you think it is suspicious, it probably is. See it, think it, report it!

n Group of vehicles travelling in convoy

n Vehicles not displaying registration plates

n Trailers with different registrations to the vehicle towing it

n Insecure loads e.g. quadbikes

n Persons asking for details of farms / rural premises and their layouts

n People looking around properties and out buildings.

n Persons filling up a number of jerry cans

We need you to be vigilant. Report any suspicious activity to police or via the Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111. Your call my may stop another from being victim of a crime.