Police burglary operation continues to have an impact

Launched in February, the operation aims to pursue those suspected of being involved in burglary and help prevent further offences.

Dedicated burglary patrols have taken place in affected areas along with burglary prevention advice offered to residents.

On Monday, April 4, two men were charged with separate house burglaries.

On Saturday April 2 police received a report of a possible intruder at a house in Beattie Street in South Shields. Officers attended and a 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of burglary.

In a separate incident on the morning of Sunday April 3, police were informed a house had been burgled and a mobile phone stolen in High Barnes Terrace in Sunderland. A 35-year-old man was arrested and taken into custody.

Both men were charged and appeared at Magistrate's Court on Monday where they were remanded in custody.

Police warn their crackdown on suspected burglars will continue.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Vera Baird, said: “This operation demonstrates loud and clear that Northumbria Police is taking a strong stance against criminals who commit this type of crime and they will be brought to justice.

"Tackling this issue will remain a priority for officers in the area and I urge local residents to report anything suspicious so that police can investigate and take firm action."

Southern Area Command's Chief Inspector Jerry Pearson said: "We cannot underestimate the devastating effect house burglaries have on victims which is why it is our priority to ensure our local communities are protected and that preventative measures are taken to help stop these offences taking place.

"We initially launched Operation Impact as a two month initiative, however, due to its success this work will continue. It is very much a part of our everyday business and work we carry out on a daily basis.

"Each day we actively target those individuals we suspect of being involved in burglary offences whether they are burglars or involved in handling stolen goods our efforts to pursue them are relentless and demonstrate our commitment to safeguarding our communities against these offences.

"Burglary prevention advice also plays a key part in our endeavour to tackle burglaries and we would always urge people to make sure their homes are secure. We know burglars target houses where the front or back door has been left unlocked or a window left wide open in an empty room. It's basic advice and advice we keep repeating as locking doors and closing windows especially overnight, or if the house is empty, can make the difference between a house being burgled or not."

More crime prevention advice is available on the Northumbria Police website www.northumbria.police.uk