Residents urged to remain vigilant following series of burglaries in Ingleby Barwick

Officers are advising residents to remain vigilant and to ensure their homes and vehicles are properly secure following several reports in the town.

Between Monday 8 April and Friday 12 April officers responded to eight burglaries and 13 thefts from cars.

There has also been reports of properties being broken into, car keys being located and the vehicle stolen.

Enquiries in relation to the incidents are ongoing with numerous arrests having taken place throughout the week.

The investigation into these incidents is ongoing and patrols have been stepped up across the town to help deter offenders.

Inspector Jon Willoughby, from Stockton’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We have been conducting numerous enquiries which has led to a number of people being arrested.

“Additional patrols are in place across the town with officers providing prevention advice to residents in a bid to deter thieves and prevent further burglaries and vehicle crime from occurring.

“While this is ongoing, I would urge residents to ensure that they review security measures and check their homes and vehicles are properly secured in order to make it more difficult for offenders to strike.”

Key advice to homeowners:

• Think about installing CCTV or Ring doorbells outside of your property
• Lighting is a good deterrent and is recommended at doors and on garages as it makes it safer for you when coming and going after dark
• Consider an accredited burglar alarm system with audible alarm boxes mounted on high at the front and rear of your home. Two visible boxes are better than one.
• Securely put away any valuables left inside vehicles, ensuring they are hidden out of sight in gloveboxes or car boots
• Store car keys in a secure location that is out of sight or reach in the home

If you have information relating to the burglaries and vehicle crimes or have CCTV and dash cam footage which could assist the investigation, please contact Cleveland Police on 101.