POLICE have asked rural communities to 'look out for eachother' after reports of several metal gates being stolen from fields and properties in the Carlisle area.

Officers are asking Cumbria's rural communities to be vigilant after several metal gates were stolen from fields and rural properties in the Carlisle area.

Police received reports from the areas of Little Orton, Kirkbrampton and Little Bampton of metal gates being taken during the night.

However, said they are aware that some incidents have not been reported and would encourage those who haven't reported incidents to get in touch. 

The police say they need communities reporting information to us to build a picture of the issue and direct our resources to that area and make it a hostile environment for criminals

Following these incidents officers would like to remind our communities to be vigilant and report suspicious or unusual activity to police.

Officers from the Rural Crime Team have been making enquiries with local scrap yards, making them aware of the thefts.

Anyone with information is asked to contact us on 101 quoting log 45 of 2 October.

Inspector Andy Leather from Carlisle Neighbourhood Policing Team said “We are asking our communities to look out for each other and report any unusual or suspicious activity.

“We would also ask our communities to make it harder for those intent on stealing property by securing it as much as possible, making it less desirable to criminals.

“Other security measures like property marking can also help with the recovery of items making them identifiable if located.”

For rural crime prevention advice visit - Rural crime prevention | Cumbria Police

Anyone with information on suspicious activity is asked to report this online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it or call 101. If you witness a crime in action, please dial 999.