CUMBRIA is one of the most visited places in the UK, home to the Lake District and its peaceful scenery, and known for its lower crime rates.

However, sometimes there is more than what meets the eye. A look at police crime maps, show that some of Cumbria's neighbourhoods have more reports of violence and sexual offences, than any other crime - now the most regular of crimes to be committed across the county, according to official police.uk statistics.

Using the police maps, the News and Star have outlined which areas have seen the largest number of reported crimes in the most recent data - and which area has seen the largest proportion of reported incidents of the current most common crime, violence and sexual offences. The map is based on December records, the last update.

It is important to note that the policing boundaries have recently changed so figures may differ from previous months.

Carlisle Central

News and Star: Carlisle crime mapCarlisle crime map (Image: Police UK)

In Carlisle, the crime most heavily reported in December 2022, was violence and sexual offences, with a total of 89 seperate reports. The largest proportion of these reports were in reference to incidents on or near a parking area or in pubs/clubs, with 45 reports made near or on Botchergate.

The rest of Carlisle reported:

22 reports of public order

30 report of shoplifting

45 report of anti-social behaviour

Penrith Town

News and Star: Penrith crime mapPenrith crime map (Image: Police UK)

In Penrith, the crime most heavily reported in December 2022, was violence and sexual offences, with a total of 62 seperate reports. The largest proportion of these reports were in reference to incidents on or near Sainsbury's, with 14 reports.

The rest of Penrith reported:

12 reports of public order

12 report of shoplifting

18 report of anti-social behaviour

Brampton and 'East Rural'

News and Star: Brampton and 'East Rural' crime mapBrampton and 'East Rural' crime map (Image: Newsquest)

In Brampton and East Rural, the crime most heavily reported in December 2022, was violence and sexual offences, with a total of 50 seperate reports. The largest proportion of these reports were in reference to incidents on or near Greenfield Lane, with 14 reports.

The rest of Brampton and East Rural reported:

12 reports of public order

12 report of criminal damage and arson

9 report of 'other theft'

Whitehaven Town

News and Star: Whitehaven crime mapWhitehaven crime map (Image: Police UK)

In Whitehaven, the crime most heavily reported in December 2022, was violence and sexual offences, with a total of 36 separate reports. The largest proportion of these reports were in reference to incidents on or near Church Street, with 16 different incidents.

The rest of Whitehaven reported:

20 reports of anti-social behaviour

17 reports of criminal damage and arson

12 reports of drugs

Workington Central

News and Star: Workington crime mapWorkington crime map (Image: Police UK)

In Workington, the crime most heavily reported in December 2022 was violence and sexual offences, with a total of 46 separate reports. The largest proportion of these reports were in reference to incidents on or near the Carnegie Theatre.

The rest of Workington reported:

14 reports of shoplifting

12 reports of public order

9 reports of anti-social behaviour

Maryport

News and Star: Maryport crime mapMaryport crime map (Image: Police UK)

In Maryport, the crime most heavily reported in December 2022, was violence and sexual offences, with a total of 51 separate reports. The largest proportion of these reports were in reference to incidents on or near High Street or the Rugby Club.

The rest of Maryport reported:

15 reports of criminal damage and arson

10 reports of anti-social behaviour

6 reports of other theft

Cockermouth

News and Star: Cockermouth crime mapsCockermouth crime maps (Image: Newsquest)

In Cockermouth, whose policing boundaries cover a larger area than others, the crime most heavily reported in December 2022, was violence and sexual offences, with a total of 33 separate reports. The largest proportion of these reports were in reference to incidents on or near Main street.

The rest of Cockermouth reported:

7 reports of anti social behaviour

5 reports of 'other theft'

3 reports of criminal damage and arson

However, despite what any crime figures portray on where we live, Home Views conducted a study which found that Cumbria was in the top ten safest counties in the Uk with 65.62 crimes per 1000 people in 2022.

How to report a Crime

Cumbria Police offer the following advice on reporting crime

Is it an emergency?

Does it feel like the situation could get heated or violent very soon? Is someone in immediate danger? Do you need support right away? If so, please call 999 now.

If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use our textphone service 18000 or text us on 999 if you’ve pre-registered with the emergencySMS service.

Anyone with information can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit. You can also phone on 101.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

Read more:Cumbria's crime hotspots: The areas with the most reported crime