INVESTIGATIONS are underway after a spate of car break-ins in and around Kendal.

Police received six reports of thieves stealing items such as wallets and laptops from inside cars overnight and trying to access vehicles between Friday and Sunday.

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A spokesperson for Cumbria police said: "Police received around six reports over the weekend (25-27 October) where unknown persons had tried car door handles and in some cases, stolen items such as wallets and laptops from within, in the Oxenholme and Hallgarth areas.

"Residents are reminded to always lock vehicles at night and to secure windows and sunroofs. Wallets, handbags, purses and credit cards should never be left in an unattended vehicle.

"Motorists are encouraged to park in well-lit areas and busy streets if possible. This increases the chances of a thief being seen, so they’ll probably steer clear.”

Officers are now urging those who have CCTV or ring doorbells in the areas of Airethwaite, Burneside Road, Kirkbarrow and Oxenholme to check their systems and let them know if you spot anything suspicious or anything that may identify those responsible.

"Residents are asked to check their CCTV or ring doorbell footage for any suspicious activity in recent days and to submit any footage to us that may identify any individuals or assist with the investigation,” said a police spokesman.

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"Members of the public are also being encouraged to continue to report any incidents of theft, attempted theft or car doors being tried, to police so this can be investigated.

"Anyone with any information can report to police online via www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it or by calling 101."

As part of a social media post on the South Lakes Facebook page, a spokesperson added: "Please contact us on 101 and quote incident CP-20241027-0088 or CP-20241027-0073.

"A link can be sent directly to your systems so you can share any relevant footage. Thank you all and please share."