Vigilance urged after Cumbria fuel thefts

Fuel thieves have been targeting homes and businesses in west Cumbria, police have said.

In the last two months there have been thefts from 10 properties.

Cumbria Police said it was mainly commercial premises which had been targeted but they had also had reports of thefts from home fuel tanks in more remote areas.

They are urging people to be vigilant and to report any suspicious vehicles or activity.

Cumbria Police community safety Insp Joe Murray said: "Offenders normally use vehicles to commit these crimes and transport the stolen fuel either in containers or, in some cases, with specially adapted vehicles.

"It usually takes a considerable period of time to steal fuel, so it is likely that locals will notice suspicious activity."