News
Action taken against Hexham thieves
Dated: 30 Aug 2012
Police in a Northumberland town are taking action against garden thieves.
Since April this year there have been reports of almost 50 burglaries to sheds, garages and outhouses in Hexham with the value of stolen property amounting to more than £37,000.
Police have been identifying and tackling suspected offenders, with more than 30 arrests - in some cases the same offenders being arrested more than four times - and several search warrants executed with some stolen property recovered.
However, much of the stolen property still remains unaccounted for.
Police are urging residents in the town to be vigilant and ensure they report anything suspicious to police.
Neighbourhood Inspector Kevin Oates said: "Let's be clear that as far as we are concerned this is local people breaking into their neighbour's sheds and stealing from members of their own community.
"It disappoints and disgusts me to say so, but it is fact that people who live in the Hexham community are the ones suspected of being involved in these crimes."