By GEMMA BROWN

Last updated at 13:14, Monday, 04 February 2013

POLICE are on the trail of two prolific thieves who are suspected of masterminding a string of house burglaries in East Tynedale over the last six weeks.

Descriptions from local people of two men acting suspiciously in Heddon and Ponteland have allowed officers to link three incidents in the villages with others in the Ovingham and Wylam areas.

Described as being in their late 30s to early 40s, one of the men has a balding head and both have been seen wearing dark clothing.

They are thought to be responsible for two attempted burglaries in Heddon.

The first happened between 11.30am and 11.45am on Friday, January 11, when attempts were made to force the window of a house on Towne Gate.

The second – at another property on Towne Gate – was reported to police on Sunday, January 13, but officers believe it may have happened at the same time as the first attempted break-in. In this incident a rear window was also damaged.

On Monday, January 14 at 3.40pm, a plant pot was used to smash through the patio door of a property at The Avenue, Medburn. This time the burglars stole £850 of jewellery, which has yet to be recovered.

Neighbourhood Inspector for East Tynedale, Dave Balmer, said: “I would ask for everyone to be vigilant in the areas of Heddon, Ponteland, Wylam and Ovingham and to report any men they see acting suspiciously, or take down the details of any vehicles which look out of place.”

First published at 07:41, Wednesday, 30 January 2013
Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk