POLICE are warning residents and tourists to be extra vigilant after a spate of thefts from motor vehicles parked in rural Lake District spots.

Officers are investigating six reports of this type of crime within the last two days:

  • A Nissan Duke, which was parked at the Pelter Bridge car park, Rydal, was broken into via the back windscreen between 9.30am and 1.30pm yesterday ( Thursday April 16). Credit cards and money were taken from the boot

 

  • A blue Renault Kangoo had its offside back window smashed between 3pm and 6pm yesterday, while parked at the A593 junction with Hodge Close, Coniston. Property was stolen from the boot, including cash and a debit card

 

  • A silver Toyota Avensis was also broken into while parked at the A593 junction with Hodge Close, Coniston, yesterday, sometime between 2.45pm and 4.30pm. A handbag was stolen

 

  • A Ford Transit minibus was broken into between 12.45pm and 2pm yesterday, while parked at Chapel Stile, Ambleside. The rubber seal on the back window was removed and the window popped out. Stolen property included 3 rucksacks and walking equipment

 

  • The passenger window of a VW Transporter was smashed between 7pm and 7.30pm yesterday while parked at Castlerigg Stone Circle, Keswick. A handbag, Apple IPOD, two pairs of sunglasses, SLR camera, binoculars and cash were stolen

 

  • A silver Fiat Panda was broken into this morning (Friday April 17), at Castlerigg Stone Circle Road, Keswick, between 9.30am and 9.40am. A laptop was stolen.

Police Community Support Officer Laura Jackson, said: “People are leaving handbags and valuables in full view which makes it easier for these criminals. You need to remove all valuables from your vehicle – do not put them in the glove box or in the boot as the offenders may be watching, hence the rear windscreens being smashed.

“Please be extra vigilant and see what other vehicles are in the car park you are in, and if there are any suspicious persons call Cumbria Police on 101.

“If you own and run a hotel/guest house please share this message with all your residents when leaving or checking out for the day. It’s often holiday makers who are victims, so this will go a long way to help prevent this type of crime.”

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Anyone with information should contact Cumbria Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Visit www.cumbria.police.uk/vehiclecrime