Hundreds of people lost belongings in the floods

Hundreds of people lost belongings and were forced to move out of their homes in the January floods, which claimed three lives.

Police in the city already regularly patrol the worst affected areas.

But now a private security firm has been brought in to mount additional sweeps in an effort to prevent theft and looting of abandoned properties.

The massive clean-up in Carlisle is still underway a month after the devastating floods hit.

The Carlisle and Eden crime and disorder reduction partnership said it had appointed Carlisle-based Crest Security, to maintain overnight patrols in the areas worst hit by the flooding.

A Carlisle City Council spokesman said: "These patrols are in addition to the regular police patrols that have already been stepped up in the wake of the floods.

'Peace of mind'

"Police are also calling on all residents to be particularly alert to any suspicious activity around homes and businesses damaged in the flooding, especially those premises that have been left empty during clear-up and renovation work.

"People are also advised to remove any valuables from their homes whilst they are uninhabited."

Andy Baines, community safety sergeant, of the crime and disorder reduction partnership, said: "We believe this initiative will provide additional peace of mind for those people whose homes and businesses have been affected by the flooding.

"It is important that all members of the community work together to help those who have been worst hit by this emergency.

"The private security patrols will last for four weeks and the situation will be reviewed after three weeks."

Three people died during the storms and more than 3,000 homes were severely flooded.