HOMEOWNERS are being urged to lock their garages to avoid being the victim of opportunistic burglaries.

A burglary suspect admitted to police last week that burglars try every garage door on some housing estates in the hope that some are left unlocked.

A post on Darlington Neighbourhood Police Teams' Facebook page said: "One suspect we charged with burglary informed us that it's common practice for burglars in the town to try their luck with garage doors, as so many people leave them unlocked.

Open garages, it seems, are seen as a bit of an easy touch.

"Please could we urge you to think about your home security."

For more information, see the town's Neighbourhood police teams Facebook page or go to durham. police. uk