Residents in Houghton are being urged to be on their guard to burglars and report any suspicious behaviour to police.
In the past two weeks, there have been two burglaries in neighbouring streets.
The first happened on Monday, March 28, in Outram Street, where a burglar smashed the back door window of a house in the street, reached in and took the keys to the door and let themselves in. The thieves also stole a bike.
The second burglary happened between 1.30pm on Sunday, April 3 and 6.20am on Monday, April 4 in Stanley Street. A burglar broke in and stole a television and games console after smashing a window of a house. A number of other electrical items were also stolen.
Patrols have been increased in the area and police want residents to help them by reporting any suspicious behaviour to police straightaway so officers can respond.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Vera Baird, said: “I can assure local residents that Northumbria Police are tackling burglary head on and will continue to treat these incidents as priority, working closely with the local community to identify those who are committing these terrible crimes.
“I urge people to speak to the police if they see anything suspicious in their area – no matter how small – it could provide the vital piece of evidence our officers need to identify those responsible and put them before the courts.”
Acting Neighbourhood Inspector Les Goodliff said: “The way these burglaries have been carried out is very worrying, it is vitally important we stop these types offences from happening and we want local residents to help us.
“If anyone sees anything in their street that looks suspicious or out of the ordinary whether you see someone peering into gardens or looking through windows or vehicles that don’t appear to have any reason to be there, just anything that seems out of place, then you should report this to police.
“Look out for your neighbours, if you are at home most of the day but know your neighbours are often out at work keep an eye on their property. It may be that the person you thought looked suspicious had a genuine reason to be there, which is fine, but it could also potentially help prevent yourself or a neighbour from being burgled.”
This weekend Northumbria Police’s Volunteer Police Cadets will be on patrol in the area delivering burglary prevention advice to local residents.
Police are appealing for witnesses to the burglaries. Any witnesses should ring 101 – if you have information about the burglary at Outram Street please quote reference 421 280316. For the Stanley Street burglary quote reference 421 280316. Or information can be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.