POLICE have stationed a new office in Wylam following a wave of burglaries across East Tynedale.

A mobile office has been installed in the George Stephenson car park, staffed by officers giving crime prevention advice to residents.

Overnight between Sunday and Monday, two homes in the village were targeted.

In one of the houses, a burglar walked in via an unlocked door and grabbed a mobile phone and iPod.

On the same evening, an unoccupied property was targeted, but the thieves left empty handed.

On Monday, a house in the village was broken into by thieves who forced open a window and snatched property from inside, before discarding it as they left.

These incidents follow a recent spate of burglaries in which thieves have targeted properties in Ovingham.

Six people suspected of being active burglars in Tynedale have been arrested and released on bail pending further inquiries.

And over recent weeks police have stepped up patrols in the affected areas and are helping residents protect their valuables with SelectaDNA crime prevention marking kits.

The mobile office was installed in Wylam on Wednesday and will be open from 10am to 4pm daily, staffed by officers available to discuss policing issues and offer crime prevention advice.

Anyone with information, or who has seen anything suspicious is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101.