POLICE have issued advice about preventing rural crime in Cumbria.

Cumbria Police is urging the public to remain vigilant of rural crime and report any suspicious activity.

Officers have issued advice to protect livestock, including: locking padlocks on all gates, lowering the left paintbrush to ensure stock is clearly marked and checking stock regularly and at varying times.

A spokesman for Cumbria Police said: "The Farmwatch scheme, together with initiatives using SelectaDNA and Datatag, have helped to deter criminals as they know these schemes increase the chances of them being caught.

"However, while Cumbria is one of the safest counties to live work and visit, that doesn't mean we have no crime, as some farms and businesses could testify. We all need to remain vigilant and be prepared to report suspicious activity."