POLICE are offering to stamp property with postcodes following a seasonal rise in shed and garage break-ins.

Police say that the Belmont area of Durham City has experienced more of this type of crime than other areas in the Durham and Chester-le-Street police division.

Officers hope that stamping property with postcodes will make it easier to return stolen items that have been recovered to their rightful owners.

Over the next few weeks, uniformed officers will be calling at homes in the Belmont area in the early evening.

They will leave crime prevention advice leaflets and residents can contact the city's main police station if they want further help.

Sergeant Max Newby, of the community safety department, said: "There is always a rise in the number of shed and garage burglaries at this time of year and there have been about 90 since June 1 across the Durham and Chester-le-Street police division.

"Belmont has experienced slightly more than other parts of the division and that is why we are focusing our efforts there.

"Gardening and sports equipment are the main items being stolen and we will security code them.

"But if people want property in their homes, such as TVs and videos, postcoded we will do those as well.

"We hope to deter burglars by ensuring that property is marked so if it is stolen it can be tracked down more easily and reunited with its rightful owner.''

If people would like an officer to call at a particular time they should call 0191-375 2816 to arrange an appointment.