POLICE are targeting burglars who have raided several garages and sheds in Shildon stealing bikes and tools in recent months.

Residents in the town have been blighted by crooks who are carrying out the break-ins during the hours of darkness.

On several occasions bikes, including high value cycles, have been stolen. American car number plates and tools have all also been taken.

In response, police in Shildon have been running dedicated patrols during the night in a bid to catch the crooks in action.

Acting Sergeant Dave Littlefair, of Shildon police, said: “These patrols have taken place on a regular basis. They have shown that people are active on a night.

“The patrols are proving to be very successful and we have caught people out and about during the early hours.

“We will continue to hold these patrols on a regular basis and if people continue to commit crime then we disrupt their behaviour.”

The police patrols are set to continue on an irregular pattern and in different parts of Shildon in the coming months.