POLICE say they have seen a significant drop in the number of burglaries in Darlington since launching an operation to tackle the issue.

There had been a spike in burglaries and thefts from vehicles when the lockdown was introduced.

Durham Police set up Operation Trident in April in response to the rise and over the last two months has carried out a number of warrants, seizing stolen property and making several arrests.

Detective Chief Inspector Lee Gosling said: “In the weeks following lockdown we saw an unusually sharp rise in burglaries, particularly from sheds and outbuildings, and thefts from motor vehicles.

“We took the appropriate action to disrupt this type of offending and to show offenders that we will not tolerate this kind of behaviour.

“It is important not to forget the crucial role residents have played, by taking the necessary steps to improve security this has made it much more difficult for anyone thinking of committing a crime.

“Despite the good results we have achieved we will not let up in our fight against those who think it is acceptable to disrupt people’s lives and I would urge people to continue to remain vigilant and do what they can to protect their property.”

Those arrested include a 27-year-old woman cautioned for handling stolen goods and fraud and a 17-year-old released under investigation on suspicion of stealing a £6,000 watch from a house.

The watch was subsequently recovered and returned to the owner.

Southern parts of County Durham, which are also covered under Operation Trident, have seen some success.

In recent weeks, officers have charged one man with conspiracy to commit burglary and a 39-year-old man on charges of burglary and fraud in Ferryhill.

A 43-year-old man has also been charged with handling stolen goods and fraud in Bishop Auckland.