POLICE have launched a crackdown after a surge in burglaries on a Bishop Auckland housing estate.

Over the last six weeks there has been 14 dwelling burglaries across the town, eight of which have taken place on Woodhouse Close estate, in particular around the Rockingham Drive area.

Plain clothed officers are patrolling the streets and officers are checking CCTV belonging to residents to see if it helps identify those responsible for the crimes.

Inspector Martin Peace, of Bishop Auckland police, said residents should not worry but urged them to remain vigilant and take steps to improve security.

“We have had an upsurge in house burglaries,” he said. “People don’t lock their back doors and people sneak in. It might not seem like a lot (of burglaries) but in Bishop Auckland we don’t get many.

“These are not houses that are empty, people are living in them. I am not saying all but some of these are preventable.”

Insp Peace said anyone wanting crime prevention advice should visit the police station or see their local Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator.

However, he is advising residents to leave lights on in an evening and also putt a radio on at a reasonable volume to give the impression the house is occupied.

“People don’t think that you need to do these things,” he said. “We are still getting shed burglaries again. We get this every time at this time of year.

“We have got a team of officers investigating who is responsible. We have highly visible patrols and plain clothed officers out there to try and disturb these people.”

He added: “We have been asking to see the CCTV of people who have got cameras. The public who have got it have been great. They are letting us see it. I was quite surprised as to how many people have it.

Witnesses to any burglaries are asked to call Bishop Auckland police station on 101 or via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.