EXTRA police patrols and operations have been launched in Thornaby to help reduce rising burglary rates.

Detectives have mounted a campaign to reassure people and encourage them to give information about known burglars.

With more help from local people, officers say they can disrupt criminal operations quickly and significantly.

Detective Inspector Shane Sellers said that an increase in burglary rates had led to the campaign being launched. He said that police hoped to stem the problem before it got any worse.

He said: "Local people know who the offenders are and where they are disposing of their ill-gotten gains.

"Burglars prey on people in their own communities and they cause untold misery.

"House burglary is one of the most distressing crimes that can happen to people. Their privacy has been destroyed, their private possessions have been rifled and property can be left totally ransacked. Many people are absolutely devastated by it.

"We know who most offenders are ,but it is up to people in the community who can provide us with the vital clues and intelligence we need to take these criminals off the street."

The extra patrols in the town have already seen three people arrested this week on suspicion of a series of offences.

Det Insp Sellers said: "All we are asking is that people stand up for their rights and stand up against criminals who are parasites on law-abiding communities."

People with information can ring Detective Sergeant Gareth White on (01642) 302233, or call Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.