THREE houses were broken into on the same day in Darlington this week, an occurrence which was described by police as a blip.

On Thursday, two flats were broken into in Larchfield Street, between 11am and 4.30pm.

A Sony Discman, Samsung VCR and a remote control were stolen from the first flat, but these items were recovered by police.

But thieves made off with a variety of items in the third theft, including a Kenwood midi hi-fi and a woman's gold pendant.

The third burglary was committed in Haughton Road between 11pm and 11.45pm.

Thieves forced a door and stole a JVC midi tape player, Thorn video recorder and CDs.

Inspector Dennis Dixon, of Darlington police, said: "We are treating these burglaries as a blip."

Anyone with information on these crimes can contact police on (01325) 467681