New figures reveal police cuts leading to thousands of criminals being let off the hook - MP

There are fresh calls from local MP Tim Farron for more front-line police officers after a new investigation revealed that thousands of offenders have escaped prosecution in Cumbria over the past 5 years.

Figures analysed by the BBC Shared Data Unit revealed that Cumbria police has resolved 4,442 crimes with a Community Resolution (CR) since 2014.

These include offences as serious as violence crimes, sex offences and weapon possession.

CRs are an out-of-court disposal designed to tackle less serious offending and anti-social behaviour. They are not convictions, do not appear on criminal records and will not be disclosed in a standard DBS check.

Tim said: "As our police have come under more and more pressure through heavy budget cuts, it comes as no surprise that the police are resorting to cutting corners when it comes to dealing with criminals.

"That's why I won't stop campaigning to get more officers on our streets to help keep us safe."

To sign Tim's petition calling for more front-line officers for the South Lakes, go here.