Cumbria Police have launched Operation Nobble, which has brought an increase in police patrols in rural areas of north and west Cumbria after a spate of quad bike thefts.

Four separate thefts of quad bikes took place last month - in the Penrith, Dalston, Calthwaite and Hesket Newmarket areas.

Three of the four quad bikes stolen last month have since been recovered.

Quad bike thefts have also take place recently in the Brampton and Ivegill areas.

A spokesman for Cumbria Police said that the force "would like to remind those in the areas affected to remain vigilant to the threat of rural thefts and burglaries".

He added that the constabulary "urge residents to use some simple security measures in order to reduce the risk towards their property."

Residents in rural areas are advised by the police to ensure that when not in use, all outbuildings are locked.

Weatherproof padlocks are suggested, and it is also advised to reverse the hinges on shed doors to prevent them from being unscrewed.

When not in use, tools and machinery should be locked away and out of sight, as tools can both be at risk of theft and used to gain access to surrounding buildings.

Keys and valuables should not be left in farm vehicles or machinery, and gates should always be kept shut with a padlock.

The police spokesman added that it is important to "make sure all tools and valuables are security marked and to place warning signs around properties to deter potential thieves."

Cumbria Police Detective Inspector Andrew Donnelly said that officers "will continue to patrol across the area to provide reassurance to victims and communities."

"However", he added, "to assist us in our efforts to apprehend these criminals, I would appeal to the residents in our rural areas to be extra vigilant and to report any suspicious activity or vehicles they see to the police.

“Anyone who has any information can contact police on 101 or call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Further advice has been provided from Cumbria Police to maximise the security of farm buildings.

This includes:

• Storing all property indoors and keeping doors and windows locked;
• Fitting British Standard locks with strong locking bars to doors and windows, and using robust padlocks;
• Upgrading storage to reflect the value of the property contained within;
• Installing sensor controlled ‘dusk till dawn’ security lights;
• Considering CCTV as additional security for vulnerable areas;
• Considering an audible and monitored intruder alarm system;
• Considering installing tracking devices to vehicles.

For further information on farm and rural security, visit the following web address: https://www.cumbria.police.uk/Advice-Centre/Wildlife-and-Rural-Crime/Rural-Crime.aspx.