CUMBRIA Police have today (Tuesday) launched their annual acquisitive crime campaign warning rural areas to be vigilant and take simple measures to protect themselves from burglars.

Acquisitive crime is a term used to categorize economically motivated crimes.

Rural areas are often targeted by thieves as equipment can be expensive and can be left unattended or in insecure outbuildings.

To combat this police are urging rural land owners to consider their security measures in order to prevent being a victim of crime.

In 2013, there were 2,079 reported incidents of an acquisitive crime type in rural areas in Cumbria.

This is a decline of just over 14 per cent from 2010 where there were 2,423 reported incidents.

There was an increase of seven reported incidents of all acquisitive crime types in 2013 compared to 2012.

Inspector Jon Sherlock, of the Constabulary’s Community Safety Unit, said: "We hope that this campaign will encourage people to take some simple steps to ensure that their property and belongings remain in their possession and that they don’t become victims of crime.

"As the stats show, acquisitive crime occurs in rural areas and it is our job to eradicate the threat of people in our rural communities becoming victims. The simple steps of locking doors, windows, outbuildings and not leaving expensive equipment on show can be the most effective deterrents.

"We want to lower the number of victims in rural locations, but we need everyone’s help to do this. By following some simple crime prevention advice people can significantly reduce the risk of burglary.

"If anyone has any concerns around acquisitive crime or has suspicions around stolen property, I would encourage them to call Cumbria Police on 101."

The acquisitive campaign will take place over the next two weeks, with a focus on rural areas in the first week and then a focus on urban areas in the second week.

Police and Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes said: "I urge people in our rural communities to take heed of the Police advice on steps they can take to protect their property and possessions against potential burglars.

"We want to reduce levels of this type of crime in all areas, and to help achieve this people need to remain vigilant, keep their properties secure and report suspicious activity."

For more information about protecting your property and belongings, please visit www.cumbria.police.uk/ruralcrime.