Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall is supporting joint Neighbourhood Watch and Crimestoppers campaign, helping communities in Cumbria to stay safe this summer. The campaign involves Neighbourhood Watch’s step by step advice on how to be alert and stay safe against car crime, theft and burglary and Crimestoppers call to action, asking people to provide information if they see anything suspicious, to their 24/7 anonymous phone line.

Peter McCall comments: “Public and personal safety is one of our key priorities in Cumbria and as the summer holidays get well underway, we need to make sure that as well as keeping ourselves safe, we’re keeping our homes and neighbourhood’s safe also. 

“Prevention is better than cure and personal safety is vital. Following these steps as outlined in this joint summer campaign, can make a big difference.

“Thieves are always on the lookout and as restrictions ease, and we start to leave our homes this summer for days out, family visits and holidays, we need to protect ourselves and our possessions from crime.

“Simple precautions such as keeping a careful eye on our phones, handbags and wallets, keeping all vehicles locked, park in well-lit areas and keep cars empty or hide any items so they are not on show, will all help.

“I urge people to help keep their community safe by doing the right thing and if you have seen anything suspicious, call Crimestoppers. Your information has helped to save lives, reunited people with stolen goods, brought peace to grieving families and helped to bring people to justice too.”

Joe Murray QPM, Chair of Cumbria Neighbourhood Watch Association comments: “Over the last few months, we now have greater freedom to travel around the country for holidays and the like, but equally so we all need to remember some basic rules to ensure that personal and private property are kept safe and guarded.

“After all that everyone has been through in recent times, the last thing anyone wants is to return home or to your car only to find it has been broken into and property stolen or damaged. You can easily avoid this happening by taking some very simple and basic precautions by securing your home properly, closing windows and locking doors. Equally so, avoid leaving property on display in cars.”

Gary Murray, Regional Manager for the North West at the charity Crimestoppers, said:

“Community safety is all our concern – we all have a vested interest in protecting our homes and possessions. Contacting Crimestoppers can make all the difference in stopping thieves in their tracks and bringing justice to families. So, if you have information, then please contact us. You’ll stay 100% anonymous. Always. Our UK Contact Centre is open 24/7 on freephone 0800 555 111, or use our simple, secure and anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”

Chief Superintendent Sarah Jackson said: “Burglars and thieves are often opportunistic and acting on the spur-of-the-moment. They take advantage of insecure homes and open windows – so we would always urge people to do their best to keep their own homes, vehicles and property as secure as possible.

“Many burglaries, particularly during summer months, can be prevented with some simple home security measures, such as making sure doors and windows are locked and secure. Throughout the year we take reports of burglaries where thieves have entered homes through unlocked windows and doors without having to cause damage, and often leave with high-value or sentimental items.

“We would also always urge people to contact us if they see or know of anything suspicious in their neighbourhood or see anyone acting suspiciously around cars and other vehicles. Your information could make the difference.”