A MAN has been charged following a spate of burglaries where £100,000 worth of goods were stolen.

Last year an investigation by Northumbria Police was launched after jewellery was stolen in 18 raids at properties across the North-East.

The majority of the stolen goods were asian gold and the estimated value of the goods stolen in the raids exceeded £100,000.

Those responsible targeted properties in Newcastle, Gateshead and North Tyneside between October 19 and November 5 last year.

Enquiries to identify those involved have been ongoing and a number of enquiries have been carried out.

Earlier this week a 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary.

And now he has appeared in court after being charged by detectives on Northumbria Police’s central burglary team.

Detective Constable Michael Scott said it was a positive update for victims but revealed none of the stolen items have been recovered.

He said: “Our enquiries have been ongoing now for a number of months and the arrest this week shows we won’t stop investigating.

“This should come as a positive update for victims but unfortunately we have still been unable to locate any of the stolen goods.

“We have a number of lines of enquiry that we are still following at this time and our efforts to find those responsible will continue.

“Burglaries of this nature can be very distressing for victims and it is our duty to investigate them properly.

“We need the public to work with us and anyone who sees suspicious activity in their community should contact police.”

The man charged is Darren Kelly, 22, of Stanmore Road, Edgebaston, who appeared before Walsall Magistrates’ Court on June 20.

He was released on bail to appear before Wolverhampton Crown Court on July 18.