BURGLARY GANGS TARGET 80 HOMES.

Byline: By Brenda hickman

Police tackling thieves involved in a recent surge in burglaries have recovered this array of property.

Newcastle detectives identified a pattern in mainly walk-in thefts at homes in Gosforth and parts of the West End.

Small teams of prolific crooks were keeping watch on targeted homes and waiting for householders coming home at teatime.

Within minutes they would pounce, sneaking in through unlocked doors, while the occupants' car keys, lap-top computers, bags and phones were left handy on view.

More than pounds 108,000-worth of cars alone were stolen since May 1 and of the 26 vehicles, all but one was recovered by officers tracking the burglary gangs.

Today, Det Chief Insp Rob Coulson of the Newcastle command area revealed the results of the crackdown as the process of identifying the property gets under way.

He said: "A pattern began to emerge. A small number of known offenders were carrying out a series of burglaries ( more than 80 were reported.

"They were working in teams ( not always in the same group, but were associated.

"We took action to target them using 24-hour resources involving community and CID work and it led to arrests and recovery of property ranging from mobile phones, lap-top computers, satellite navigation equipment and other readily saleable items."

In another more disturbing development, homeowners were also waking up through the night to find burglars had gained entry through open windows and patio doors ( some carrying weapons.

Four people, including two women, were arrested this week after an aggravated burglary in Fenham Hall Drive where an axe was taken to threaten occupants.

More than 60 burglaries alone last week are thought to be linked to two sets of suspects currently under arrest or remanded in custody.

Det Chief Insp Coulson said: "Operation Fable set out to identify those responsible and disrupt their crime spree.

"We have had co-operation from the Crown Prosecution Service and the courts.

"Jewellery, including a pounds 7,000 pocket watch, and other items have also been recovered.

"Once the thieves were able to get their hands on the car keys, residents were losing their valuables, vehicles, and having to get their locks changed.

"More than pounds 12,000 of property was recovered in the last two weeks alone."

DCI Coulson said a lot of the break-ins could have been prevented if homeowners took simple security measures like locking the doors when they came home.

He said: "Be aware, especially when windows are left open in the warm weather, it doesn't take long for a thief to strike.

"Make sure doors are locked as you arrive home and don't leave property on display in the doorway or through glass porches."

Among the recovered property is a mini motorbike, hi-fi, amplifiers, lawnmowers, power tools, car stereos, televisions and a Stihl chainsaw.

NRecent burglary victims in the area should ring Newcastle command area property officer to arrange a viewing during weekdays on [phone].