POLICE in south Durham are taking their winter crime prevention campaign on the road following a spate of house burglaries.

In the first two weeks of this month, there were 44 break-ins at homes across the Wear and Tees, Sedgefield and Darlington areas.

Police often see a rise in such crimes after the clocks go back, leaving burglars with longer hours of darkness in which to target properties.

This month, houses in Cockton Hill and Woodhouse Lane, in Bishop Auckland, and the Byerley Road area of Shildon have been targeted.

There have also been incidents in the Albert Hill and Blackwell areas of Darlington and the town centre.

The rise in offences has prompted Durham Police to re-launch Operation Darc in an attempt to detect and reduce crime across the south area of the force.

The campaign concentrates on improving home security and targets repeat offenders.

Detective Chief Inspector Mick Nail, crime manager for the south, said householders can reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime by taking precautions.

He said: "Use a timer or leave a light on to give the impression the house is occupied, and make sure the rear of the property in particular is well-lit.

"Keep valuables such as money, car keys, mobile phones and portable electrical goods out of sight."

He also urged residents to keep an eye on neighbours' property and report suspicious activity.

Officers will spread their crime prevention message with a roadshow of advice surgeries including:

Today: Asda, Bishop Auckland, 10am to 3pm; Billy Row Community Centre, 5pm to 6.30pm; Shildon Methodist Church, 10am to 3pm.

Thursday: One Stop Shop, Eldon Lane, 6.30pm to 8pm.

Friday: Crook police office, 9.30am to 12.30pm; Tow Law Community Centre, 1pm to 3.15pm.

Saturday: Toft Hill Community Centre , 2pm to 4pm.

Monday: Spennymoor Leisure Centre, 10am to 3pm.

Saturday, December 9: Adult Learning Centre, Tindale Crescent, 10am to noon; Victoria Workingmen's Club, Willington, 3pm to 5pm.

Tuesday, December 12: Coundon Community Centre, 10am to noon.

Thursday, December 14: Drop-in Centre, The Green, West Auckland, 10am to noon.