Police warn residents to lock up following spate of burglaries (From The Advertiser Series)

Police warn residents to lock up following spate of burglaries

12:14pm Tuesday 5th February 2013 in News By Lizzie Anderson

COUNTY Durham residents are being urged to lock their doors following a spate of “sneak-in” burglaries.

Police have received reports of property being stolen from unlocked sheds and garages in the Woodham area of Newton Aycliffe on Thursday, January 24.

The next day, a man was disturbed while trespassing in a house in Vicarage Gardens in Willington, where a door had been left unlocked.

This was followed by a house burglary at Studley Drive, Spennymoor, on Sunday, January 27, where a man was arrested. Once again a door was left unlocked.

DC Jonathan Stoker, of Newton Aycliffe serious crime team, said: “Even if you are at home it pays to ensure your doors are locked to help prevent yourself from becoming a victim of an opportunist thief.

“If you would like any advice about home security please contact your local neighbourhood policing team on the non-emergency number 101."

On Thursday, January 31, a 27-year-old man from Ferryhill was sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty at Durham Crown Court to two offences of house burglary - one in Willington and the other in Spennymoor.

More Crime News