STATIC caravan owners are being urged to remove valuables and increase security following a spate of burglaries in the Durham Dales.

Burglars have targeted 30 caravans at eight different sites across Weardale since the beginning of December, including four located in the Eastgate and Frosterley areas at the weekend.

The intruders smash through doors and windows to enter the caravans, before either fleeing the scene empty handed or making off with belongings such as televisions, binoculars, jewellery and alcohol.

Along with Eastgate and Frosterley, sites located near Wolsingham, Stanhope and Bollihope have been targeted.

One person has been arrested and released on bail pending further enquires, and Durham Police are urging caravan owners to be extra vigilant and remove anything of value when they leave.

Weardale county councillor John Shuttleworth said the police needed to do more to prevent such crimes.

“The people of Weardale are paying for a service and they are not getting it,” he said.

“They need to put more manpower into stopping these break-ins. It’s just not good enough.”

Sergeant Simon Rogers said the force had increased patrols in the dale and were taking steps to detect and deter future crimes of this nature.

This includes working with Weardale Area Action Partnership to secure funding for security devices and automatic number plate recognition cameras.

“These will be deployed in Weardale as a matter of urgency to help with this current problem,” said Sgt Rogers.

“The caravan break-ins are a Pact priority and we are asking the community to keep their eyes and ears open for anything suspicious.

“Many of the caravans are empty all winter and are seen as quite an easy target. That is why it’s so important for caravan owners to remove anything of value.”

Anyone with any information about the caravan burglaries is asked to contact Durham Police via 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.