Campers should keep valuables safe, police say

Campers are being warned to be on their guard after a spate of thefts from tents.

Police in Cumbria are stepping up patrols after opportunist thieves took valuables from tents on campsites in the Lake District.

But Cumbria Constabulary said that visitors to the area can help prevent thefts by keeping high-value items such as laptops and mobile phones secure.

Inspector Richard Quinn from the Eden neighbourhood policing team, which covers the northern Lake District and the North Pennines, said: “Time and again we see people have their visit to this beautiful county spoiled by becoming victims of crime. In so many cases this could have been so easily avoided.

“By taking simple, commonsense steps, we can beat the thieves at their own game. Criminals want an easy life, so don’t give them any opportunity to target you or your family. Secure valuable items or at the very least hide them from view.”

Thefts from tents are common on campsites throughout the summer months, he said.

“We often receive reports of thefts of laptops, phones and other valuables from tents. It is not uncommon for campers to leave handbags and other valuables by the tent door overnight,” Insp Quinn added. “In fact, just this week, we took a report of a theft from someone who had left their handbag and contents actually outside the tent next to their cooking area. These sorts of opportunities are far too tempting for opportunist thieves.”

Mountain bikes on car carriers are also a target for thieves, the police warned.

Insp Quinn said: “Modern mountain bikes can be extremely expensive items. Many campers back at home wouldn’t dream of leaving them unlocked and unattended in the middle of a busy street, yet believe that they are quite safe in similar circumstances on a busy campsite.

“Again, basic security measures will deter an opportunist thief. A good quality bike lock fitted to some sort of anchor point will help to prevent these expensive items being taken.

“Crime levels in Cumbria are low, and it is a fantastic place to visit, but campers and caravanners need to be aware that as idyllic as a place may be, opportunist criminals take advantage of people’s trust, and travel to the more remote areas of our county to steal items that have been left insecure.”

As well as increasing the number of patrols, police officers will be working with campsites and giving on-the-spot crime prevention advice to campers.

Local residents and visitors are asked to contact Cumbria police immediately on 0845 33 00 247 if they spot suspicious activity, and to take down the registration details of suspicious vehicles.