A NEW group is being launched to help reduce the number of burglaries in South Lakeland.

The South Cumbria Acquisitive Crime Group will focus on preventing rural and agricultural crime such as sheep-rustling, theft of red diesel and poaching.

The launch will coincide with an acquisitive crime prevention event on and the Junction 36 Auction Mart on October 23.

It is designed to give the farming community advice on how to avoid being a victim of crime and to show them what new technologies are available to make their property more secure.

Detective Inspector David Stalker, who chairs the group, said: “As a group we hope that by working together we will see a positive effect on the number of burglaries that occur across the south Cumbria region.

“One of the key issues with a number of burglaries and thefts in rural areas is that they occur as a result of insecure buildings or vehicles. We ask that you don’t increase the access to thieves by leaving windows and doors open or unlocked.

Farming equipment carries a high resale value which makes it very appealing to thieves.
"It's little wonder why this is attractive to criminals as they perceive rural areas as an easy target," added DI Stalker.

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The South Cumbria Acquisitive Crime Group will be closely linked to the Rural Crime Strategy, fronted by Police and Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes.

He said: "When I launched the Rural Crime Strategy at the Westmorland Show last month I explained that one of the priorities in my Police and Crime Plan is to keep our rural communities safe by tackling crime and disorder in rural area. I am really pleased to see what is an excellent example of the Constabulary and partners working together to tackle this, and welcome the Group’s current focus on rural and agricultural crime.”

Paul Clow, CEO of the L&K Group who own the Junction 36 Auction Mart where the launch will be held, said: “Our mart plays a central role in the rural community, acting as an information and ideas exchange. Once again we are glad to use our close relationship with the authorities and the police to share information that protects Cumbria from potential thieves - both organised and opportunistic.”

If anybody has information on rural acquisitive crime they can contact the Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.