FOUR arrests have been made during an operation to tackle rural crime.

Operation Checkpoint returned on Saturday (November 16) with officers working with other police forces that border Cumbria.

It sees several police forces in the North of England working collaboratively to prevent and tackle rural crime, wildlife and poaching offences.

In Cumbria alone, 60 vehicles were stopped for routine checks, with 14 searched and two seized.

Eight individuals were also subjected to stop and search powers.

Three people were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs and were released pending further enquiries.

An 18-year-old man from Attleborough was also arrested on suspicion of burglary.

Sergeant Amanda McKirdy, Cumbria Constabulary’s Rural Crime Team, said: “We work closely with our bordering forces with this initiative which sees us work together to tackle rural crime.

“We are committed to targeting travelling rural criminals and are keen to encourage people to report suspicious activity.

“Rural crime offenders will cross county boundaries to commit their crimes in their attempt to evade detection. By sharing information and taking action, we are actively disrupting criminal activity which in turn makes our rural communities a safer place.

“We will continue to take part in such operations to ensure that offenders are identified and brought to justice.”

David Allen, Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, said: “Working with neighbouring forces to tackle rural crime is incredibly important to ensure that criminals get far with their stolen goods.

“Cumbria is predominately rural so protecting our more isolated communities and businesses is a priority – not just for myself and the Constabulary, but also for the public as well.

“Op Checkpoint is a regular operation that we are involved in, alongside other local work to prevent and reduce rural crime.

“I hope that the public feel reassured by this work to keep them, their families and their homes safe.”

Cumbria Police encourage people to report any suspicious activity.

Information can be reported online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it or by calling 101.

In an emergency or if a crime is in action, call 999.

To report information anonymously, contact the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.