DETECTIVES in Durham City have pleaded with people to report anyone seen acting suspiciously around neighbours' homes.

Break-ins have gone up in the city and outlying villages since the clocks went back two weeks ago and thieves take advantage of the dark evenings.

Detective Inspector Andy Reddick, of Durham City CID, said a number of operations were on-going to catch the burglars.

He said: "We ask the public to be observant and, if they see anything suspicious, they should report it immediately.

"We want to avoid situations we had last year where people said they had seen someone suspicious, but didn't want to bother the police."

Cash was stolen from a house in Marigold Crescent, Bournmoor, between 11am and 4.45pm, on Wednesday, when burglars climbed through an open window.

Electrical equipment was taken from a house in Grange Road, Belmont, on Wednesday afternoon, when thieves forced a rear window.

Anyone with information should call Durham City CID on 0191-386 4222