With temperatures soaring in Cumbria, police are once again urging residents in Carlisle to help reduce the number of burglaries in the city by keeping their doors and windows locked overnight.

Last month Cumbria Police revealed that 40 out of 124 burglaries within Carlisle during 2016 were from insecure properties.

Officers say these crimes can be prevented.

Acting Detective Inspector Vicki Coombes, from North Cumbria CID, said: “Opportunist burglars are continuing to profit in Carlisle from insecure homes.

"Would-be burglars are at times finding the ideal situation of simple access to a property with expensive possessions in full view. It is frustrating as these crimes are preventable by being vigilant and taking simple steps to ensure that your possessions and money are protected.

“Locking windows and doors is a simple measure that increases your safety and deters criminals from committing offences. Most will walk on when they realise there is no instant access as they’d have to then force entry. ​

“Being a victim of such offences is not a nice feeling as many struggle to feel safe in their own home which no-one should tolerate. I ask that you avoid this happening to you by taking on the crime prevention advice that we issue on a regular basis.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to appeal to members of the public to report suspicious activity to police as that can often prevent crimes. No matter how insignificant you may feel your information is, it could stop a criminal from stealing from you or somebody else.”

* For more information about securing property go to www.cumbria.police.uk/Advice-Centre/Crime-Prevention/Home-Security.aspx.