PEOPLE are being warned to stay vigilant as the government continues to ease the Covid-19 restrictions.

The county has seen more visitors since travel restrictions were eased as people flock to the Lake District to use popular tourist towns and trails.

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, said: “Cumbria has so many rural communities and normally the consensus is that crime doesn’t happen in these small hamlets, villages and towns.

“We know that this is not the case, and now that the government’s restrictions are easing we want to remind anyone that lives in or visits these communities that crime is a possibility.

“Now that the public are allowed to travel for exercise we are seeing far more walkers in the hills, on our roads and round farmers’ fields. Visitors can absent-mindedly commit crimes without realising and this is where the danger lies.

“I would urge any visitors to remember to tidy up after themselves. Littering may seem like a victimless act, but not only do you ruin the idyllic walks and scenery for other visitors, our incredible wildlife can be affected too.”