Police meeting hears of spate of burglaries (From The Advertiser Series)

Police meeting hears of spate of burglaries

12:47pm Thursday 7th March 2013 in News

A RECENT community meeting heard of a spate of shed burglaries and bicycle thefts in Hurworth.

There have been a handful of such incidents in the village in recent weeks, it was reported at Hurworth’s Partners and communities together (Pact) meeting.

The contents of a gaming machine at the Station pub were taken in one incident, while three sheds had been broken into but nothing stolen.

PC Paul Foley said there had also been one incident of anti-social behavior reported, which involved youths playing ‘chicken’ on the village green.

Also discussed at the meeting, at Hurworth Methodist Church Hall, was concerns over parking, particularly outside schools in the village.

A site meeting has taken place at Hurworth School, involving staff, police and Darlington Borough Council.

The following actions were agreed:

• The possibility of using cones was discussed. While the school was initially prepared to put them in place on a daily basis, it could not take on board the potential liability of any subsequent incidents that may result from their implementation;

• Yellow lines opposite "zig-zags" are preferred but will take considerable time to implement. Until then it is hoped that white lines can be put in place. While not enforceable they have proved an effective in deterring inappropriate parking elsewhere;

• The schools and police are undertaking joint action days, where children will be involved with highlighting the hazards of poor parking with parents and other road users.

The police were thanked for their prompt action in addressing the spate of shed burglaries/bicycle thefts. They reminded the public to be aware of the risk to sheds particularly at this time of year.

The next meeting will be held on Thursday, March 28, at 6.30pm, at the Methodist church hall.