Several people have been arrested following an operation to target suspected thieves and burglars in Darlington.
Operation Trident was launched by Durham Constabulary at the beginning of April in response to an increase in burglaries and thefts from vehicles across the town since the beginning of the lockdown.
Over the last three weeks, stolen property has been recovered by officers and ten men have been arrested in connection with the incidents. Of these, seven were charged, two were released on bail and one remains in custody.
A further three were arrested on recall to prison, while three others were arrested for breaching bail conditions.
Officers also carried out warrants at properties in the North Road and Red Hall areas this morning (April 23) in connection with the ongoing operation.
A 45-year-old man was arrested and charged with possession of a Class A drug, while a 36-year-old man was cautioned for the same offence.
A suspected stolen bike was also found and enquiries are ongoing to trace the owner.
Detective Chief Inspector Lee Gosling, who is leading the operation, said: “Since the introduction of the lockdown more than three weeks ago, we have seen a rise in the number of burglaries and theft from motor vehicles being committed across the town.
“The offences typically happen at night and the suspects are targeting sheds, outbuildings and garages, as well as stealing property from vehicles.
“The offenders responsible for these incidents are not only showing a complete disregard for other people’s hard-earned property, but they are also repeatedly ignoring Covid-19 regulations which are in place to protect people, and to save lives.
“I hope this ongoing operation shows that we will not tolerate behaviour of this nature in Darlington, and that we will take action to disrupt this type of offending.”
Anyone who has any information on potential offending in their area should contact Durham Constabulary on 101.
Alternatively, information can be passed on to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
