Police have advised householders to buy alarms for their shed or garage after a number of outbuildings were burgled in the Cockerton East area of Darlington.

Two people have been arrested after a spate of break-ins in recent weeks.

On one occasion a shed alarm was activated, causing the burglar to leave empty handed. A police spokeswoman said: “Shed alarms are not expensive, but are extremely effective.

Any valuables kept inside sheds, garages or outbuildings should be property marked if possible, and large items such as lawnmowers and cycles should be anchored to the structure of the building.”

WARD SURGERY: The next ward surgery for the Faverdale area of Darlington will take place on Tuesday, March 19, at West Park Academy, between 6pm and 7pm.

BANK TOP: The recent Police and Communities Together (Pact) meeting for the Bank Top area of Darlington has identified a number of priorities, which will provide the focus for policing activity in the coming weeks. The meeting agreed to focus on vehicle and shed crime, particularly increasing awareness among residents, and anti-social behaviour involving youths in Eastbourne Park and Yarm Road. Dog fouling and problem vehicles will also be tackled.

FIELD CLUB: The next meeting of the Darlington and Tees Valley Naturalists’ Field Club will include a talk by Paula Lightfoot on marine recordings and conservation. The group meets at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, in Darlington, every Monday, at 7.30pm. Call 01325-469401 for information.

RUN TOGETHER: Run in Darlington, a session that allows people of all ages and abilities to run together as a group, will meet at the Dolphin Centre, in Darlington, at 7pm on Monday, March 18. Entry is £2 per person and is open to over-16s.