Police investigating a spate of high-value burglaries in rural areas of the North East are appealing to the public for information.

Reports of four incidents of burglary and attempted burglary were received by the Northumbria force between 10pm on Tuesday (June 20) and 10am the following morning.

All were said to have taken place in the areas surrounding Stocksfield, Hexham and Haltwhistle, in south-west Northumberland.

In all cases it was reported that the offenders entered or attempted to enter commercial premises, stealing high-value items, including tools, as well as large amounts of cash, and vehicles.

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Witnesses to one incident reported seeing three men attempting to gain access to the premises before making off on foot.

An investigation has been launched by the force’s burglary team and inquiries are said to be ongoing to trace those responsible.

Inspector Kate Benson, of Northumbria Police, said: “We are carrying out extensive inquiries to locate any suspects which includes the review of CCTV in the areas involved.

“Those inquiries will continue but we are now asking anyone who was in the areas of Haltwhistle, Hexham and Stocksfield overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday (June 20/21) to contact us if they saw anything unusual.

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“We would ask that if anyone has that information that you contact us immediately as any piece of information could be crucial to our investigation.”

She urged people in rural areas to be, “on the look-out for anyone acting suspiciously, or any usual behaviour”.

Insp Benson said this might include vehicles travelling in convoy, or with their lights off at night.

She said it could also include groups of vehicles using fuel stations in rural locations during the night and any vehicles appearing to repeatedly visit locations where valuables such as tools may be stored, including council depots or industrial estates.

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“Please be vigilant and report to us straight away if you see anything which makes you think twice.

“Your information may prove invaluable.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the force police by calling 101, or using the ‘Tell us Something’ page on the force website, quoting log NP-20230621-0350.