People in West Cumbria are being warned to lock up their homes after a spate of burglaries in the last three months.

There have been almost 30 house burglaries in the last three months.

The highest numbers have occurred in Workington and Whitehaven.

Police say the majority of burglaries took place between 11pm and 5am Sunday to Monday, between 10pm and 4am Wednesday to Thursday, and between 1am and 8am on Sunday mornings.

Items stolen have included electrical items, purses, handbags and money.

Between May 1 and July 27 there were 28 break-ins where thieves have entered houses via an unsecured door or window.

There has also been a recent spate of car key burglaries through letterboxes and unsecured doors, with vehicles subsequently stolen.

Detective Sergeant Mark Cox said: “Even if the sun isn’t shining, the warmer weather means people are leaving their doors and windows open, making it easy for thieves.

“It only takes a few extra seconds to lock the doors and check the windows are closed before you go to bed.

"But these few extra steps can stop the heartache of finding somebody has been in your home and taken your possessions.

“I urge all residents to make sure their security remains priority throughout the summer months.”

Anyone with information about the break-ins or want crime prevention advice are asked to call police on 101.