Summer rural crime campaign launched in Cumbria

Cumbria is one of the safest counties to live and visit in England. However, the theft of farm machinery, fuel and vehicles and burglary from farms and rural homes does take place and has a significant emotional impact and financial cost.

The invasion of someone’s home, the theft of treasured items and the loss of valuable equipment can have a long-lasting and devasting effect on families and individuals.

The campaign seeks to reduce rural crimes by encouraging the public to anonymously report suspicious activity in rural areas to us here at Crimestoppers. 

We're also promoting these simple tips on how to reduce your risk of having your property and machinery targeted.

• Lock your home and outbuildings at all times
• Fit tracking devices to vehicles and machinery
• Remove keys and keep vehicles locked away and out of sight
• Install CCTV or video doorbells
• Put up signs saying you have fitted tracking devices and video cameras on your premises
• Join a rural or farm watch scheme
• Speak up about  suspicious vehicles or individuals – registration numbers, make/model, description of individuals, times and dates, those who are selling stolen quad bikes or machinery, or those who target rural properties.

Do you have information about those commiting crimes such as theft or burglary in rural areas? You can tell us what you know and remain 100% anonymous - guaranteed. 

Call free any time on 0800 555 111 or fill in our online form, here on our website:

Give information anonymously

“We all have a part to play in making Cumbria safer.

“It has been encouraging to see that rural crime has decreased over the last year as a result of proactive law enforcement activity, and people are acting on crime prevention advice.

“However, our charity is very aware of how damaging crime in rural areas can be to families, communities, rural businesses, farmers, wildlife and the local environment.

“Every day, we receive reports from people across the North West who tell us about those involved in the theft and selling on of stolen quad bikes and machinery, and theft and burglaries from rural homes and businesses.

“This anonymous information is vital in making our rural areas safer for those who live there and depend on it for their livelihood.”

Gary Murray, Crimestoppers' North West Regional Manager 

Please note: computer IP addresses are never traced and no-one will ever know you contacted Crimestoppers. For telephone calls, there is no caller line display, no 1471 facility and the charity has never traced a call.

29 July 2025