Cumbria Constabulary

One of the largest districts to feature in the HonestJohn.co.uk Car Crime Census, Cumbria covers 4205 square miles and incorporates a number of towns, including Carlisle, Kendal and Whitehaven.

Home to the Lake District National Park, Cumbria attracts thousands of tourists (and cars) every year, which accounts for this rural region having an above average car crime rate of 143 offences per 10,000 registered vehicles. During the summer months Cumbria attracts a large number of hikers, mountain climbers and walkers. The majority of visitors drive to the region and leave their vehicles unattended as they go exploring.

The small town of Maryport tops the region’s crime rankings, with 129 offences per 10,000 registered cars, making it significantly more dangerous for vehicles than Kendal.

The rise in crime in Maryport has been largely attributed to a decline in police numbers. In a recent statement the county’s new police commissioner, Richard Rhodes, was quoted as saying it was “extraordinary” that the town’s law enforcement had been cut to just one PCSO and plans are afoot to combat the problem, with consultations open to increasing the number of officers and reopen the police station.

Overall Cumbria has few crime hotspots, but those areas that do show increased activity are confined to built-up areas. SEAT was the most targeted make of car (248 offences per 10,000 cars) while Toyota and Jaguar were the safest with 55 and 63 comparable crimes each.

See also: Top 10 Cars Stolen to order / Top 10 Most Stolen Cars