Paddleboard theft investigation after lake search

Police are investigating the theft of rented paddleboards after a failure to return them prompted a wide-scale search.

Lake wardens, rangers and the coastguard searched the entire length of Windermere, in the Lake District, on Wednesday night after two stand-up paddleboards were not returned at the end of their hire time.

Windermere Outdoor Adventure Centre operator GLL said the customers had provided false details when hiring the boards.

Cumbria Police said thefts like these had a "significant detrimental impact", adding the coastguard had spent a "considerable period of time searching the lake in case there had been an accident and individuals were in need of rescue".

A GLL spokesperson said: "We are disappointed that two paddleboards were not returned following the completion of the customers' hire period.

"The non-return of the individuals prompted a coastguard search which was stood down as the incident was believed to have been a theft by people providing false details."

Furness Coastguard said the wardens and rangers searched Windermere as far down as the Swan Hotel at Newby Bridge.

They then searched the shore near the boarders last known location with the Arnside Coastguard.

"With no reports of persons missing, failing light and a thorough search carried out, the teams were stood down," the agency said.

GLL said it then referred the incident to police.

Officers said the theft occurred between 15:20 and 17:00 BST and asked anyone with information to get in touch.

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