Man appears in court following student house burglaries

A man has appeared in court after student homes were burgled in the Durham City area.

Barry Lowery was arrested yesterday by officers from Durham City CID for three offences which had occurred in the North Western part of the city.

Students from two homes returned to their accommodation following the Christmas break to find items had been stolen.

Mr Lowery, 49, appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court today charged with two counts of burglary and possessing cannabis.

He pleaded guilty to the cannabis charge but no pleas were entered for the two counts of burglary.

Mr Lowery was remanded into custody and is next expected to appear at Durham Crown Court on February 6.

Students have been reminded to be extra vigilant and make sure all windows and doors are locked as well as seeking advice from their landlords where appropriate.

Officers from the Durham City Neighbourhood Policing Team will also be conducting extra patrols.