Cumbria Police and the county council are working with a security firm to ensure homes and businesses in Kendal and Keswick are safe following last month’s flooding.
Security officers sourced by Randstad have been on patrol in flood-affected areas to provide community reassurance and to deter criminal activity.
The security officers are being used to provide extra support to the police, not to replace them.
It's being funded through the wider flood recovery relief funds.
Superintendent Mark Pannone said: “Emergency services, partner organisations, and entire communities, have really come together during these devastating floods to help and support one another – it has been a true reflection of the Cumbrian spirit.
“Now we are in a recovery phase we are keen to ensure that a few opportunistic criminals do not take advantage of empty or damaged properties. Working with security officers has supported us in preventing this type of activity from taking place and also stopping criminals in the act.
“Major incidents like the December floods are thankfully rare. The use of a private security firm is not something that is normally required, however on this occasion we felt it would be a positive approach to reassure the public during a difficult and challenging time for many people. I would also like to take this opportunity to remind people that there are a number of precautions they can personally take to help keep their property safe.
“Anyone who has been a victim of crime should call Cumbria Police on 101 so that we can investigate, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Councillor John McCreesh, Cumbria County Council Cabinet member for Trading Standards, said: “Bringing in private security is not something we’d normally do, but these are unprecedented times for the county. We’re trying to help people affected by the floods as much as possible, and using private security to support the police and help safeguard flooded properties is part of that effort. Anyone who’s been a victim of the floods has been through more than enough already – the last thing they need is to become a victim of crime as well.”