Schools in Cumbria are being warned to take precautions amid fears of a rise in crime over the summer holidays.

As many schools across the country prepare to close their doors for the summer holidays, specialist insurer Ecclesiastical says schools will be an 'attractive target' for criminals over the coming months.  

Cumbrian residents who live near local schools have been told to be 'vigilant' this summer and report any unusual or suspicious activity they notice on school grounds.

Schools have been targeted over the summer months including vandalism, arson, break-ins, smashed windows, theft of lead from roofs and stolen laptops.

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Amid high inflation, soaring prices and more facing economic hardship, there are worries there will be a large spike in criminal activity.

Faith Kitchen, customer segment director at Ecclesiastical Insurance, said: “Schools are far more vulnerable during the summer holidays when school buildings are closed and largely unoccupied, tempting opportunists.

With high inflation and the cost of living crisis, it is more important than ever that schools take steps to protect their premises from offenders."