CUMBRIA Police have arrested a man as part of an investigation into a high-value boat theft in Bowness-on-Windermere.

Following enquiries from Avon and Somerset Police and the South Lakes Neighbourhood Policing Team, a 32-year-old male from Bristol has been arrested for the theft of a Warrior boat on June 27.

As a result, the suspect was transported to Kendal Police Station yesterday (July 4) and interviewed.

It comes after the boat was recovered from the Bristol area, police confirmed.

The arrest forms part of Operation Headway, Cumbria Police’s dedicated operation in tackling the theft of boats and related equipment in the county.

Inspector Ross Woods, South Lakes Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Officers continue to respond to reports of boat thefts in the Lakes under Operation Headway.

"This operation provides focus on investigating reported thefts and also preventative measures that make property less attractive to thieves and easier to recover.

“If you are interested in having your boat, trailer and related equipment marked please get in touch.

"In the coming weeks, we will also be issuing a large number of tracking devices to be hidden inside boats and trailers. These will be deployed in theft hotspot areas and in the boats and equipment which crime data tells us are most at risk.

“Please remain vigilant and report any suspicious incidents on 101 or 999 when a crime is in progress.

“This arrest should serve as a strong message to criminals who make the effort to travel into our county to commit crime.

"We are committed to bringing offenders to justice and we will hold you to account no matter how far away you live.”

The man has since being bailed whilst additional enquiries are undertaken.