WITNESSES are being urged to come forward after burglars targeted three properties in Barnard Castle yesterday.

Police said three properties, in Montalbo Road, Coronation Street and Queen Street, were broken into during the day.

Cash was stolen from the house on Queen Street after the burglars gained access through an unsecured back door while there was a similar attempt made at the house in Coronation Street but nothing was stolen.

An attempt was made to enter a house in Montalbo Road where burglars broke into the shed when they failed to force the rear door and window.

They stole a two-foot long red metal toolbox with tools, an orange Sthil chainsaw and petrol leaf blower as well as a Makita power drill.

Officers are looking to speak to a white male in his early 20s who was seen making off from the rear of the Coronation Street property at around 3.30pm, heading in the direction of Harmire Road.

He’s described as having a slim build, being approximately 5ft 10in tall and weighing 12 to 13 stone.

He also has short brown hair and was wearing a grey jacket with a red trim, blue jeans and white trainers.

Inspector Kevin Tuck said the day time burglaries were very rare for the town but asked residents to make sure they are securing their properties especially with the darker nights coming in.

“The town tends to be very safe from a burglaries perspective so to have three day time burglaries in Barnard Castle is quite exceptional,” he said.

“We are keen to hear from anybody who saw the man or might have an idea who that might be.

“We are also keen to see anybody who saw the combination of tools being carried away.”

He added: “One of the key messages we want to get out with the clocks changing next week and moving up towards Christmas with darker nights, is that we are wanting people to make sure people do make sure that when they go out or are in a different part of the house they lock the back door .”

Officers are currently out making house-to-house enquiries and reviewing local CCTV.

Anyone with any information should contact DC Clare Lambert on 101.