POLICE are appealing for information after an attempted house burglary in Barnard Castle on Wednesday (November 19).

An unknown person attempted to break in to the rear of a house in Dene Road, between 2.15pm and 4.25pm.

At 1.20pm a male was seen sat smoking on a step at the rear of the property as it backs onto Flatts Wood.

The man was wearing a black beanie hat, navy anorak, dark trousers and had a light coloured backpack.

Neighbourhood sergeant, Simon Rogers said: “We are appealing to anyone, in particular dog walkers, who use the footpath into Flatts Woods that may have seen anyone acting suspiciously.

“This is the fifth house burglary that we have had in the Barnard Castle area in the last four weeks, all of them have taken place between 9am and 5pm on a Wednesday.

“We are looking at what is the draw to Barnard Castle on a Wednesday that may link these burglaries.

“We would ask people to remain vigilant, making sure their properties are secure and to report any persons or vehicles acting suspiciously to the police on 101.”