'Don't let thieves ruin your Christmas' warn Cumbria Police

Police are warning Cumbria's householders to put security at the top of their Christmas lists.

Cumbria Constabulary say both house burglaries and pick-pocket type thefts can increase at this time of year with homes full of gifts and Christmas shoppers being targeted.

Across Cumbria officers will be working with local shops and bars to ensure they have all the necessary security precautions in place during the busy festive season. They'll also be handing out leaflets to members of the public, as well as displaying ‘Don’t let thieves steal your Christmas’ posters and leaflets in places including in pubs and on buses.

Police are reminding shoppers to:

• Only take out in your handbag what is really needed

• Keep your purses / wallets / cash at the bottom of your bag or fastened in a pocket

• Not leave belongings out of sight in shops – for example handbags being left on the back of chairs or on the floor

• Keep a note of the phone numbers needed if your purse / wallet is stolen

• Make sure you report any theft immediately to prevent thieves using your cards to buy items over the phone or internet