DETECTIVES are hunting a gang of travelling thieves suspected of stealing goods worth more than £100,000.

Northumbria Police has launched an investigation after seven reports of burglaries all with very similar circumstances.

The raids have taken place over the past month with incidents in Ashington, Gosforth and Birtley, near Chester-le-Street.

Thieves have forced entry to the properties while the occupants have not been home and made off with a string of valuable objects and cash.

It is believed the gang responsible have travelled into the region to commit the offences before leaving in a black saloon-style vehicle.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Knox said: “This is a sophisticated and organised criminal enterprise who we believe have carefully planned these burglaries.”