DETECTIVES are calling for vigilance among villagers after three burglaries which took place while people were away from home.

Two houses in Middleton St George and one in Hurworth were broken into last week.

There had previously been only five burglaries in the villages this year, three in Middleton St George and two in Hurworth.

Police are urging residents to take care when going away, and for neighbours to be vigilant in reporting suspicious activity to police.

Detective Sergeant Alec Francis, of Darlington police, said residents should also join their local Neighbourhood Watch scheme to help spread such information.

In one case, as reported in Saturday's Northern Echo, a thief smashed his way through a window in Pine Tree Grove and wrenched the alarm box from the wall between Tuesday and Thursday last week.

Also in Middleton St George, a house in Middleton Lane was burgled between Monday and Sunday, but nothing was taken.

The rear ground floor pantry window was forced open with a screwdriver or similar item.

In Manor Road, Hurworth, the rear patio door of a house was lifted from its rails between 1pm on Saturday, March 24, and 1pm on Saturday, March 31. Nothing was taken.

Det Sgt Francis said: "We can not dismiss any links between them, because it is rare for burglaries to occur in that area.

"I would encourage them to join up with the Neighbourhood Watch so that the information gets the appropriate attention.

"It's important that people speak to their neighbours, let them know they are going to be away for any period of time and for neighbours to keep an eye out for them."

Neighbourhood Watch coordinators can be contacted on (01325) 346832, while Darlington police are on (01325) 467681.

Information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers, on 0800 555111.