POLICE are continuing to crack down on burglars following a spate of crimes in a Wearside community. Officers appealed for the help of residents in the Houghton-le-Spring area earlier this month after a rise in the number of homes being broken into in the area.

Over the next few weeks police will target those suspected of being responsible as they carry out search warrants, use stop-and-search powers and have more officers on patrol in the areas worst hit.

Neighbourhood Inspector Lisa Musgrove said: "We want to send out a clear message to burglars that we are actively targeting them and will continue to do so until they’re caught and put before the courts.

"Being broken into is incredibly distressing for victims and we simply won’t tolerate the criminal behaviour of those who think they can get away with it.

"Information we receive from the public is absolutely crucial in helping us identify those responsible and I would continue to urge residents to contact us with any information."

She added: "A lot of these burglaries are happening during the day and I’d remind anyone who is at home during the day to keep an eye out for anyone or anything that might seem out of the ordinary in their neighbourhood."

Anyone with information should contact Northumbria Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.