Police in Cumbria have made seven arrests in connection with stolen caravans and vehicles in the lead-up to the Appleby Horse Fair, which begins today and runs until June 12. The annual gathering of gypsies and travellers in Appleby-in-Westmorland has prompted a police operation targeting stolen property being brought into the county.
Among those arrested are three men in their 40s—two from Kent and one from Hartlepool—on suspicion of handling stolen goods. They have been bailed with conditions not to re-enter Cumbria. Additionally, a 27-year-old from Kent was arrested on suspicion of possessing a stolen vehicle and an offensive weapon, while a 38-year-old from Kent remains in custody on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.
Officers have recovered several stolen items, including a Toyota Hilux pick-up truck believed stolen from Essex, four caravans suspected stolen from owners in southern England and Wales, and three further caravans—a motorhome, a van, and three trailers—seized on Saturday. Gypsy and Traveller representatives have supported the police action, stating: 'Anyone who knowingly brings stolen property to Appleby Fair deserves what they get.'
In a separate incident, police used Section 61 of the Criminal Justice & Public Order Act 1994 to move on an unauthorised encampment in Kirkby Lonsdale, displacing 13 caravans and vehicles. The fair has sparked local tensions, with all pubs in nearby Kirkby Stephen closing this year and railings covered to prevent horses being tied up.
