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Northumbria Police have issued a warning for residents to ensure they are keeping their homes safe and secure after a spate of burglaries in Jesmond. Officers have received reports of four overnight burglaries over the past week, all of which took place at premises which were left insecure.

The first reported incident happened on Glenthorn Road between midnight on Wednesday March 4th, and 8am on Thursday March 5th. In this case, the burglars gained access to the home through an unlocked back door and two laptops were stolen.

Another incident happened on Queens Terrace between 2am and 8am on Friday March 6th, when burglars let themselves in through an unlocked front door. They searched rooms and stole a laptop, two handbags and cash.

The third occurred on Mistletoe Road, between 11pm on Friday March 6th, and 1am on Saturday March 7th. Here another laptop was stolen as thieves used an unlocked window to get in.

The final offence took place on Fern Avenue between midnight on Friday March 6th, and 10am on Saturday March 7th. Thieves again gained access through an unlocked rear door and stole an MP3 player, handbag and cash.

Neighbourhood Inspector Neil Brotherton said: “We need to remind residents of the importance of keeping front and rear doors and windows locked.  It only takes an opportunist thief a few moments to sneak into a house and steal portable expensive property, including laptops and cash before leaving the same way.” He continued, “It is upsetting to be a victim of this type of crime – and in most cases it can simply be prevented by just making sure you lock up securely.

The Neighbourhood Policing team have stressed the importance of remembering to lock doors and windows. There is also an appeal for witnesses to come forward if they see any suspicious activity as part of the forcewide Operation Soundwave. Suspicious activity can include people trying door handles in the street, as they could be looking for an unlocked door. This operation is aimed at tackling opportunist thieves and burglars. Brotherton said that “by calling police you could help to prevent a crime”. Crime prevention advice to keep property safe is also provided and can be accessed via the website: http://www.northumbria.police.uk/advice_and_information/crime_prevention/Home_Security/index.asp

Police also advise people to register their property with www.immobilise.com. This means that if an item is stolen and later recovered it can be returned to the rightful owner, as well as catching suspects in possession of stolen property.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101, extension 69191, quoting reference number  013371W/15  or ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.