Windermere and Bowness.
Windermere and Bowness have seen a sustained downturn in crime and reported anti social behaviour over the past twleve months. There has been less crime in the area than the same period last year. At the moment we are investigating the theft of diesel fuel from Garages at Greenodd and from Troutbeck.
During December and January several people have said to us that ATM machines in the area have been tampered with - preventing bank customers from getting their cash out. Our advice is always check an ATM machine before you insert your card, if you think a machine has been interfered with in any way - do not use it - report your suspicion to your bank branch and the police immediately. If in doubt walk away and use an alternative method to withdraw cash.
During March shoplifters from Leeds have targetted some of the shops in Bowness and high value clothing items taken. Two of these people have been identified, arrested and are now on police bail.
Ambleside Grasmere Langdale.
Ambleside and Grasmere have both seen a reduction in reported crime over the last year. The rate of reported crime is low in both areas. With your assistance, we aim to keep it that way.
The most frequently reported crime in the area is shoplifting from shops in and around Ambleside. Shoplifters are taking outdoor clothing, makeup and champagne from shops in our area. Police officers are working with the shop owners to tackle the problem - you will see some officers on High Visibility patrols around the shops - you will not see the ones who are in plain clothes mingling with the shoppers.
On 1 April camping gear was stolen from Low Wray. A sharp eyed member of the public saw the thieves and passed the registration number for their car. We started looking for the car and shared the information with partners via Cumbria Community Messaging. An SLDC parking warden spotted the car in the area and police were able to get to it. Three people have been arrested and the camping gear was recovered. Unfortunately this type of crime occurs occasionally, and not all cases are sorted out like this one. If you are visiting Central Lakes area to camp, please property mark your gear with your name and postcode. Keep an eye on your own and other peoples tents and gear while on campsites. Take a note of details like car registration numbers if you see anything suspicious and contact police immediately.