By Jenny Barwise

Last updated at 11:49, Saturday, 13 October 2012

Thieves have been cutting car fuel lines in attempts to drain the tanks of diesel in and around Frizington.

A spate of night-time attacks have happened in the past 10 days and police are now asking residents to be vigilant and report any unusual activity to officers.

In five separate incidents criminals cut fuel lines on cars in an attempt to steal fuel. In one incident they succeeded, leaving a young mother’s car empty when she went to drive it the following morning.

Neil Harvey’s daughter, who lives on Waterloo Terrace at Winder, near Frizington, had her car targeted while it was parked on Skelsceugh Road.

She had only filled the car up with diesel the following day and was shocked to find it had been drained.

Mr Harvey is now calling for Cumbria County Council to fix a faulty street light, which he said has been broken for four years, as he thinks it could have deterred the vandals from stealing the fuel.

Mr Harvey said: “That is the only place where residents living on Waterloo Terrace can park their cars (on Skelsceugh Road) and it is really dark there.

“Because it is a side road, away from the houses, and the street light is out, it is an opportunity for thieves.”

When his daughter, who has a four-week-old baby, got into her car in the morning, the fuel light came on.

Mr Healy said that the result could have been disastrous if there was an emergency during the night and they needed to use the car.

“I had to tow the car down to the garage at Egremont,” he said. “My daughter had only filled the car up the day before. It isn’t just my daughter’s car that has been targeted. I know of two other people who have had the same thing done recently.”

Cars parked on Yeathouse Place, St Paul’s Avenue and Winder Gate in Frizington have also been targeted, as well as an incident in Arlecdon.

Sgt Jim Lloyd said: “A number of people are being affected by this mindless act of vandalism. It is not clear if fuel is being taken from the vehicles, but the damage is disruptive to the victims and the wider community.

“We are advising all residents, not just in Frizington but in surrounding areas, such as Arlecdon and Cleator Moor to be vigilant.”

Sgt Lloyd said people should report suspicious behaviourby calling 101, or at Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

First published at 10:55, Saturday, 13 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk