Arson and criminal damage has increased in the Copeland region this December compared to last year, statistics from Cumbria police have shown.

There have been three more reported incidents of arson and criminal damage in total this December, up to four from one.

There has also been an increase in public order offences. However, December 2020 has proved to be a quieter month for crime with a total of 23 this year, down by five from last year’s December total of 28.

One of the biggest drops in incidents is the number of violent crimes against other people, which has decreased from 16 to 11.

Copeland police still want you to report all incidents of anti-social behaviour and crime to help them keep the area safe.

If a crime is in progress then use 999. If it’s non-emergency call 101.