Cumbria Police have issued a plea to members of the public to be careful about leaving their cars unattended whilst out for a walk.

Motorists have been asked to plan accordingly by researching where the designated car parks are, park in a secure location, lock vehicles when they are unattended, keep vehicle keys in a secure place, and ensure all valuables are removed from the vehicles when unattended.

A spokesperson from Cumbria Police said: “As we see the restrictions lifting and hopefully the hot weather staying, we anticipate seeing our walking hot spots becoming busier.

“Cumbria Police want to make sure those using vehicles to travel to these locations are taking steps to ensure their vehicles are safe whilst unattended.

“Vehicles being left unattended whilst out enjoying a walk or a day out in some of Cumbria’s nicest areas opens opportunities for criminals.

“Cumbria Police want to prevent this and advise vehicle owners to take these preventative measures to make it harder for criminals to commit these types of crimes”.

You can report anything suspicious on www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit, or by calling 101 or contact Crimestoppers, completely anonymously, on 0800 555 111.