Cumbrians have been plagued by burglars more than 12,000 times in the last five years.

More than a quarter of the property raids - some 3,320 – targeted people's homes but new figures show this type of burglary fell dramatically last year as police continued to target offenders and to help homeowners better protect their property.

The Cumbria Police figures also reveal that 744 people were charged with dwelling house burglaries over that period, while 14 criminals accepted cautions, and 14 accepted a so-called “community resolution.”

This can involve restorative justice techniques, such as the offender apologising to the victim, paying compensation or repairing any damage caused. Unlike a caution, a community resolution does not lead to a criminal record.

The total number of burglaries reported to the force in that five year period was 12,191, with 1,642 in 2016 compared to 2,176 the year before. The lowest annual number of burglaries was in 2014, when only 1,888 were reported.

Police chiefs say they will continue to do all they can to deter and catch burglars, whose crimes have a devastating effect on victims. Many are left traumatised, feeling unsafe in their own home.

There are also warnings to home owners to be more vigilant as the warmer weather approaches, when open windows and doors can tempt opportunists who might otherwise walk on by.

Chief Superintendent Mark Pannone said: “It's pleasing to see that the number of burglaries reported in the county have fallen over the past five years.

“This, I believe, is not a coincidence but a result of a lot of hard work from police officers and staff, a number of partner agencies and also members of the public.

“The types of crime that are committed have changed over the past five years but burglary is still recognised as a highly distressing offence for anyone to be a victim of. Those who are victims to these offences may struggle to feel safe within their own home which is something that no-one should ever tolerate.

“The role of the police is to keep people safe from crime and disorder, which places an emphasis on us to help prevent such offences from happening. We monitor and track every burglary that occurs in order to build a picture of what is happening within the communities we serve and those involved in criminal activity.

“We are then robust in ensuring that offenders are brought to justice.”

He said that the force runs regular awareness campaigns helping people to better protect themselves from burglars.

He added: “Although the figures show a fall in this crime type we are far from complacent and we will continue to do what we can to reduce this further.

“This is not achievable on our own and we need members of the public to be aware of how important it is to have their own home security processes in order.

“Unfortunately about 25 per cent of all burglaries occur from insecure properties where windows and doors are left unlocked or even wide open. This makes it far too easy for an opportunist criminal to steal from you.

“Lighter nights and warmer weather can lead to a more relaxed attitude towards home security and I’d urge everyone to increase their vigilance over the coming months.

“Don’t make it easy for criminals by leaving windows and doors open. Also consider where you keep expensive possessions, money or car keys. Our advice is to keep them out of sight of any potential criminal and do what is needed to ensure you are not a victim of burglary.”

The police figures, released following a Freedom of Information request, also reveal that over the last five years the county has seen:

* 47 aggravated burglary in dwellings

* 595 attempted dwelling burglaries

* 6962 burglaries in non dwellings

* 33 distriction dwelling burglaries.

For more information on securing your property visit www.cumbria.police.uk/Advice-Centre/Crime-Prevention/Home-Security.aspx