Cumbria Police are urging residents to step up their security throughout the Spring and Summer.

The warning comes as warmer weather often provides opportunities for opportunistic burglars.

They significantly emphasise the importance of closing all windows, ensuring doors are all locked, and keeping valuable possessions and keys away from these potential access points.

As the temperatures rise and Cumbrians enjoy time outdoors in their gardens, this advice is intended to stop burglars from taking advantage of relaxed attitudes towards home security.

Temporary detective superintendent Andy Myers, who is in charge of Operation Themis which is the force's response and focus on burglaries.

Superintendent Myers said: "Being burgled, especially in your home, can be extremely traumatic.

"Cumbria is a safe place to live and we have a much lower number of these types of invasive crimes than in many other parts of the country.

"However, we always take this type of offence extremely seriously."

The numbers back up Myers's reassurances; the most recent data from the Office for National Statistics indicates an 18 per cent decrease in household burglaries in Cumbria.

Yet, T/Det Supt Myers reasserted the police's ongoing vigilance on this persistent issue saying: "We’re pleased to see the number of household burglaries go down – but we are never complacent and are always seeking to improve the service we give our communities."

Cumbria's Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: "No one wants to feel vulnerable in their own home which is why prevention is so important.

"The more secure we can make our property, the more difficult we make it for opportunistic criminals to target us.

"As a former Crime Prevention Officer I would urge the public to follow the advice of the police around keeping yourself safe and secure and report any suspicious or criminal behaviour to the Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency."

In addition to physical home security, the officials pointed to the potential risks posed by social media, advising Cumbrians to be cautious about revealing information on their posts.

Operation Themis not only works to prevent burglaries but reviews each residential burglary, ensuring each offense gets the necessary specialist inquiries.

Myers also urged residents to report any suspicious activities.

In addition to being burglar-wise, the police are also advising people not to leave gardening equipment or tools out overnight.

These items can provide burglars with easy targets.

Police recommend locking away such tools and gardening essentials after their use.

Among other safety tips provided by the police, residents are also advised to secure their homes before bedtime, remove keys from locks and keep them out of reach and sight, and avoid leaving valuables in vehicles overnight.

Cumbria Police can be contacted through the online reporting form or by phone for non-emergencies at 101.

For emergencies, residents should dial 999.

Anonymous reports can also be submitted through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.