Householders are being reminded not to leave doors and windows open as summertime returns. Motorists are reminded to make sure they lock doors and close windows and sun roofs, to deter opportunist thieves.

The Lock It Or Lose It Campaign aims to remind everyone of basic crime prevention techniques through stickers that are placed by the lock on a front door or car door as a reminder to lock-up.

Andy Shine, Chairman of the South Lakeland Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, said: "South Lakeland is one of the safest places in Cumbria and the whole North West, yet some of the crime here would not occur if all of us simply remembered to turn a key in a lock.

"As the nights get lighter, it is as important now, as during the dark winter months to secure our homes, vehicles, garages and sheds, to play our own part in helping to keep crime down."

Sean Robinson, Detective Chief Inspector, who is the chair of the South Lakeland Acquisitive Crime CDRP, said: "South Lakeland is a very safe place to live, and crime levels are low.

"In South Lakeland over the past six months we have only had 40 dwelling burglaries, 24 of those were insecure doors or windows, and as such 60 per cent were all preventable.

"I would appeal to the residents of South Lakeland not to fall into the trap of thinking it won't happen to me, and make sure they lock their doors and windows.

"I would ask for people to pass this message onto friends and neighbours, and to be vigilant and phone the police if they see anyone they don't recognize trying doors.

"In terms of vehicle crime people are still leaving property on open display, vehicles insecure, and on some occasions keys in cars.

"We live in a very safe part of the country and we all have an opportunity to work together and make it safer.

"The simple message from me is LOCK IT, OR LOSE IT."

Thousands of Lock It Or Lose It stickers are being produced to drive home the message and will be made available to organisations like Age Concern and Cumbria Police in the area.