Burglars target service stations

Police have said they are keeping an open mind as to whether a series of burglaries at service stations in North Cumbria are linked.

All three break-ins took place in the early hours of Tuesday.

During the first at Whiteclosegate Service Station in Carlisle, cigarettes and cash was taken.

There was then an unsuccessful attempt to remove a safe from Davidsons Garage in Penrith, followed by thefts from Mark Johns Motors in Kirkby Stephen.

Damaged car

On this occasion a satellite navigation system and cigarettes worth about £1,800 were taken.

In all the incidents entry was through a broken or forced window.

Police said they were keen to trace a light coloured Audi convertible with a dark roof which may have been seen in the vicinity of two of the burglaries.

The vehicle may have suffered damage as a similar car was also seen losing control on a bend and coming off the road between Brough Sowerby and Kirkby Stephen before being driven away.