Police Close Investigation into Lake District Damage Without Arrests

Law enforcement has concluded its inquiry into damage caused by campers at a scenic location in the Lake District, resulting in no arrests. The National Trust incurred a clean-up cost estimated at £1,000 earlier this year due to abandoned camping gear, mattresses, and apparel found on the Buttermere shoreline. Additionally, an axe was discovered, which had been utilized to cut down nearby trees, and multiple fires had scorched areas of the ground. The conservation organization provided Cumbria Police with various online posts and videos, thought to be connected to the individuals responsible. However, the police force stated it had “exhausted” all lines of enquiry. Possible charges had encompassed criminal damage and fly-tipping, alongside heritage crime, given that the Lake District holds the status of a designated Unesco World Heritage Site. A park ranger identified the damage on 2 July, and the subsequent clean-up operation spanned two days, necessitating the rental of a skip. Cumbria Police issued a statement, saying: “All available lines of enquiry have been exhausted and the investigation is complete.” They further added: “The evidence collated was reviewed and it did not meet the threshold for prosecution.” The police concluded: “Therefore, this case was closed with no further action.” The trust indicated its intention to persist in collaborating with law enforcement and other organizations “to help tackle issues of poor behaviour in the outdoors,” expressing that it was “hopeful that combining our efforts will yield better results.” The organization has encouraged individuals to utilize designated campsites instead of engaging in fly-camping, an activity that is against the law. It also consistently advises visitors to adhere to the Countryside Code, refrain from igniting fires or barbecues, and to “leave no trace” by ensuring they clean up their waste. For more updates, follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Story ideas can be sent to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not accountable for the content of external sites. Details on our approach to external linking are available.