POLICE are investigating four burglaries across Tynedale over the weekend.

Officers investigating burglaries in Acomb and Wark recovered a quad bike on Monday after a number of stolen items were reported on Sunday.

The first burglary was reported at around 7.30am, with reports that a livestock trailer and quad bike had been taken from a farm in Acomb.

Officers received a second report an hour later from another Acomb farm where a shed had been broken into and a red Honda quad bike had been stolen.

The third report was a shed burglary in Wark, where a Honda off road bike, a Honda quad bike and two chainsaws were stolen.

The fourth burglary was reported at around 12.30pm, where a quantity of diesel was stolen from Wark Sports Club. It was believed the burglaries happened between Saturday and Sunday.

Det. Sgt Dave Boon, from Northumbria Police’s burglary team, said: “We are looking at the possibility that these crimes may be linked and we need the public to report anything suspicious to us so we can build a wider picture of these incidents.

“Even the smallest detail can help with our investigations. It may be the missing piece needed to help secure an arrest or charge.

“Recent figures highlight that burglary crimes have gone down by six per cent this past year and that is a reflection of the continued efforts of officers and partners to tackle these types of crimes and recover stolen items and return them to their rightful owners.

“I also want to remind the public to take steps where possible to help protect themselves and their belongings.”

Advice around keeping your property safe include:

  • Locking all doors and windows when you are not in your home, even when you're just out in the garden.
  • Hiding all keys, including car keys, out of sight and away from the letterbox.
  • Installing a visual burglar alarm and/or outside lighting to deter potential thieves.
  • Leaving lights in your house on a timer to make the property appear occupied.
  • Making sure any fences around your garden are in good condition.
  • Securing bikes, quads and tools at home by locking them inside a locked shed or garage where possible.
  • Ensuring gates are locked to prevent access to the rear of the property.
  • Tagging your property with postcode and house number and register your property for free with Immobilise https://www.immobilise.com/
  • Useingtracking devices where possible to help make stolen items easier to locate.

Anyone with information about the above crimes is asked to contact police via 101 and ask to speak to the Northern Burglary Team or alternatively contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.