DETECTIVES believe a spate of burglaries in Darlington at the weekend is an "unusual rise" in figures.

A total of 15 attempted or successful burglaries were reported to police in the town between Friday morning and Sunday night, which officers have described as very high.

The area around Yarm Road was particularly targeted, and there were also burglaries in Neville Road, Coniscliffe Road, Westbourne Grove, Teal Road and Greenbank Road.

Items stolen included cash to a T-registered BMW Coupe, which was taken after the thieves broke into a house and stole the car keys.

Many of the houses were entered by the thief forcing open windows or doors.

Detective Sergeant Alec Francis, of Darlington police, said officers target burglars, and the force's crime prevention team works towards preventing burglaries.

He said: "We have had considerable success in the past 12 months or more. This is a very unusual rise in this particular type of crime and there are similar trends running through them all. They are being investigated."

l A Darlington man in his 20s has been arrested and charged with burglary in the town's Washbrook Drive, between 1am and 9.30am on Sunday, as well as with a count of theft. He was remanded in police custody to appear before Darlington magistrates today. (Tu).