A MAN has been arrested following a spate of criminal damage in Whitehaven. 

According to reports two businesses, The Rum Story and The Flower Basket, were targeted along with two residential properties. 

Cumbria Police explained that four crimes have been recorded where windows were smashed, including the two businesses on Lowther Street and the residential properties on New Street. 

A 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and has been released on police bail while inquiries continue.

A spokesperson from The Rum Story said: "This type of vandalism is thankfully rare and something we haven't experienced for a long time.

"But it's still frustrating and upsetting for the team and has a negative impact on time and money, both of which are something that small, independent traders can ill afford to lose.

"But the situation could have been much worse without the support of the Whitehaven community, who were so quick to report and act on it that the police were able to respond promptly.

"We're particularly grateful to the Twisted Tongue, some of whom apparently stood guard to make sure no stock was removed while waiting for police to take over. The police then contacted a joiner on our behalf, who responded rapidly and had already secured the premises by the time we arrived.

"Saturday night's incident was a horrible experience, but everyone's help and support has proved that thankfully the vast majority of our local community are good people."

Councillor Edwin Dinsdale added: "Antisocial behaviour is plaguing Whitehaven, putting businesses at risk and making residents lives a misery.

"As the town councillor for Whitehaven Centre South, I am sick to the back teeth of this issue constantly happening with very little response or change being implemented.

"People do not commit crimes if they think they are going to get caught.

"The answer to this problem, in my opinion, is a well-resourced and funded CCTV programme for Whitehaven Town Centre and surrounding areas which must include the Harbour and Whitehaven Park.

"The CCTV programme must be constantly manned with a plan in place to initiate an immediate police response in the event of any antisocial behaviour taking place.

"The programme would also need a fully resourced maintenance plan to cover all eventualities and ensure our Town is fully protected 24/7."

The Flower Basket chose not to comment.