Police numbers in Maryport could be reduced even further because people believe reporting crime is a waste of time in the area.

Temporary Police Sergeant Dave Macdonald warned that failure to report could lead to a false reduction in crime statistics which could influence the number of officers employed to work in the area.

In a report to Maryport Town Council, he said he was aware that a culture was developing in Maryport where incidents were not being reported.

He said the situation had grown worse since the closure of the police station last year.

Sgt Macdonald said he had heard comments such as "What's the point" or "I didn't want to bother you" and urged residents to report all crime.

He added: "We cannot always promise an immediate response but incidents will be graded accordingly and the most urgent given the highest priority."

Sgt Macdonald said people could call 101 for non-emergency situations. email or send a tweet on social networking website Twitter. 

Monthly drop-ins will also be held at Ewanrigg Community Centre on the first Tuesday of every month from 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

Townsfolk said the lack of police on the streets was a factor and to keep a presence in the town, crimes should be reported. 

Alan Irving, one of the hosts of Facebook page, Maryport Marras said:"They're cutting back all the time and part of their cutbacks will be based on crime figures. Headquarters will base their cuts on 'no crime, no police required', so even minor crimes should be reported or Maryport will lose even more."

Moree Weir, of the Sailor's Return pub, said she believed that Maryport still received a good service from the police despite the closure of the police station.

"Look at the robbery at the Post Office last Monday. They were excellent."

She said she reports any criminal behaviour and always gets a good service.