PEOPLE in the Bishop Auckland area are being warned to step up security in their homes after a spate of sneak-in burglaries.

Police have increased patrols in the town and have designed a crime prevention package to tackle the problem.

Operation Verdite was launched on Monday with leaflets being distributed to homes in Bishop Auckland advising people how to foil opportunist thieves.

Detective Sergeant Brian Wilkes, of Bishop Auckland Police, said: "We are very concerned about the growing number of these crimes being committed and we are doing our best to tackle the problem."

Homes situated in open areas or near playing fields are causing the main concern, with thieves entering the rear of the house through an open door, then escaping with stolen property across grassed areas.

Det Sgt Wilkes said the thieves were looking for quick and easy property to grab rather than large objects.

He said: "We are looking at handbags and keys, rather than microwaves and televisions.

"These people are going in through an open back door and grabbing what they can before running off."

Most of the thefts are occurring in the early evening, between 4pm and 9pm.

On Tuesday night, thieves escaped empty-handed after they were disturbed at an address in Holdforth Drive.

They managed to escape before police arrived at the scene. As well as an increase in uniformed foot patrol, the police are putting more patrol cars and plain-clothed officers in the area.

Det Sgt Wilkes said: "We are hoping that extra patrols and police visibility will put these people off."

To assist in the operation, people are being asked to remain vigilant, to keep their back doors and windows locked and not leave valuables on display.

Det Sgt Wilkes said: "We obviously want to hear from anyone who might have seen anyone hanging around or anything suspicious.''

Anyone wishing to obtain advice on security or who can help police with their inquiries is asked to contact Bishop Auckland police on (01388) 603566.