Babies spark treasure trail to burglar

Jan 16 2009 by Sam Wood, The Journal

A LOCKET containing a photograph of two babies could hold the key to finding the owners of valuable stolen property recovered in County Durham.

The haul, including Rolex watches, Royal Doulton plates, and jewellery, was uncovered just before Christmas.

Acting on tip-offs from the public, police recovered the property on December 23 in the Shield Road area of Stanley.

They found Rolex watches hidden in tool boxes and hoards of jewellery under floorboards.

In particular police are keen to trace the owners of a heart-shaped silver locket containing a picture of two babies, aged nine months to a year.

Police have charged a man over the find and believe the items came from a string of burglaries in the Stanley area.

PC Scott Jameson said: “The operation was set up to tackle the dark nights and the increase in burglaries that can follow.

“On this particular raid we found a haul of stuff. Much of it has been claimed, but this locket and some other bits and pieces still have not been traced.

“It is difficult to say how much everything is worth, but it is all very expensive.

“We think much of it was intended to be Christmas presents.

“We hope the owners will come forward and that will enable us to charge this man with more burglaries. The locket in particular, which is heart shaped, and has a photo of two young babies in it will be instantly recognisable to whoever owns it.”

The raid was part of Operation Mullet Point. There were jewellery boxes filled with bracelets hidden under floorboards, vintage plates wrapped and packed away in cupboards, stolen TVs being used and watches hidden alongside tools. There was also a brass and leather telescope which has not been traced to its owner.

A 39-year-old man from the Stanley area has been charged with three house burglaries, handling stolen goods and theft. He is due to appear before Consett magistrates next month.

Anyone who believes the found items could belong to them is asked to contact Durham police on (0345) 606-0365.