Tackling sex crimes online in Cumbria is at the heart of a new plan launched today.

County crime commissioner Peter McCall has set out his priorities in his first Police and Crime Plan.

The document sets out the area's policing priorities for the next four years.

And it will, police chiefs say, reflect the changing nature of offending and crime-fighting.

It also highlights the need to maintain a visible police presence across Cumbria despite the pressures brought by continued spending cuts.

Research ahead of the document being complied confirms that the public's top five priorities for police are tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, providing a visible uniformed presence, tackling grooming and child sexual exploitation, tackling domestic abuse and improving services for people with mental health conditions to reduce the demand of crisis situations on police.

Mr McCall, elected in May, describes the plan as "robust" and said: "It includes a specific objective for online and sexual crime to reflect the changing nature of criminality locally, nationally and internationally.

"The way we communicate has changed and this has brought a very different type of crime which is often complicated and difficult to investigate.

"Is is essential that the plan grows organically to meet this fast-evolving area of crime."

The document, drawn up following talks with a wide range of people, says its focus is to fight crime, support victim and bring offenders to justice.

Chief Constable Jerry Graham believes it provides "a firm direction on policing priorities".

He too admits cyber crime has added a new dimension to the work of his officers, along with other wider public pressures while keeping crime levels in the county low.

"As with the changing picture of crime, the role of police is evolving too. For a number of years now, there has been a great emphasis on partnership working, whether that be with other emergency services, police forces, councils or support agencies.

"This work is crucial in keeping people safe and we will continue to develop ways in which we can work together effectively."

Mr McCall also believes it essential to involve young people to fight crime in the future. He expects to announce details about a new youth commission early next year.

The former army officer urged people to continue raising concerns over crime with his office or officers.