POLICE have issued another warning to residents after a wave of 11 burglaries in Tynedale – all in the last six weeks.

Properties in Hexham, Corbridge, Riding Mill and Stocksfield were broken into, and goods ranging from jewellery and ornaments, to mobile phones and tablet computers, were stolen.

In each case, officers say small, valuable and easily disposable items, appear to be targeted.

And the criminals are working under the cover of darkness, looking for homes along the A695 where it is obvious no-one is home, and even trying door handles to find those left unlocked.

The break-ins began on Corbridge Road in Hexham with one house targeted between Friday, September 4 and Monday, September 7 and a second property between 12.30pm and 10.30pm on Saturday, September 12.

Seal Terrace in Hexham, between September 12 and 18 was the next property to be hit, before Greencroft Avenue in Corbridge between 8.45am and 9.40pm on Thursday, September 24.

A property on Hextol Terrace in Hexham was the next reported burglary on September 25 and houses at Cockshaw in Hexham and St Helen’s Street in Corbridge were both burgled on the same night – October 2.

Most recently, police have begun investigating burglaries at Leazes Terrace in Hexham on October 7, Mount View Terrace in Stocksfield between October 7 and 9, a break-in at a house at Broomhaugh in Riding Mill between 7.30pm on Saturday and 7.30pm the following day, and another at a house on St Helen’s Street in Corbridge between 6.45pm and 8.30pm on Monday.

Neighbourhood Inspector Kevin Oates said: “We’re carrying out extra patrols and running operations across the area and offering crime prevention to residents.

“By taking a few moments to secure your property, by double checking doors to homes and vehicles are locked, for example, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to an opportunist thief.

“It’s also really important residents watch out for their neighbours and report any suspicious activity to police straight away.

“We’re sending a clear message to opportunist thieves – we’re watching you and we won’t tolerate burglary in our area.”

Advice from officers includes:

Ensure windows and doors are always securely locked – even when you are at home;

Fit outside security lighting and an alarm and consider the use of CCTV;

Use timer lights to come on when it’s dark, or if you’re going to be out at night;

Avoid leaving valuables and keys within easy reach of doors and windows where they can be easily taken;

Try to keep car keys and house keys on separate fobs;

Take a few moments to lock your vehicle, even if only leaving it for a few minutes;

Remove anything of value from sight, or from the vehicle altogether if possible;

For more crime prevention advice visit the Northumbria Police website at http://www. northumbria.police.uk/crimeprevention

Residents are also urged to report anything unusual or suspicious they see in their community to police 101 ext 69191.