Man charged with 20 offences following burglaries and attempted burglaries in Darlington

We have charged a man following several burglaries and attempted burglaries in Darlington.

The incidents happened in the early hours of bank holiday Monday (August 31) in the Whinfield, North Road, and Haughton Road areas of the town.

Officers carried out extensive enquiries following the incidents, which resulted in the arrest of a 22-year-old man from Middlesbrough.

He has since been charged with 20 offences, including:

• Four counts of burglary
• Seven counts of attempted burglary with intent to steal
• Five counts of vehicle interference
• Three counts of theft from motor vehicle
• One theft of motor vehicle

He has been remanded in custody to appear at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court today (September 9).

Inspector David Littlefair, from Darlington Neighbourhood Police Team, said: “Many of the properties and cars that were targeted had been left unlocked overnight.

“We’d strongly advise all residents to make their homes and property as secure as possible – the more difficult you make it for the burglar, the less likely they are to bother.

“Please make sure you lock your door and shut your windows on a night, or when you are leaving your house. 

“Lock your vehicles and store the keys securely and out of sight, away from windows or doors where thieves can see them. 

“If you have a garage, use it and consider installing CCTV cameras and security lighting to the front and back of your home.”