After a series of high-value burglaries across the North East, four suspects have been charged.

The individuals involved, three men and a woman, are due in court today.

This follows a complex operation by the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) alongside Northumbria Police, Staffordshire Police, West Midlands Police, and Opal - a national intelligence unit focused on serious organised acquisitive crime.

Three burglaries were linked during the investigation between January and April.

This included a burglary on Middle Drive, Darras Hall, on April 4, in which cash was taken as well as a car which was abandoned nearby.

Another burglary on Clayton Road, Jesmond, on March 31, saw cash, designer wear and jewellery taken to the tune of more than £1m.

A burglary on Woodlands Grove, Sunderland, saw cash, designer wear and jewellery stolen worth more than £100,000.

The suspects, aged 23, 27, 31 and 42, were arrested on April 12 in the West Midlands area.

Detective Inspector Shaun Fordy, the NEROCU lead said: "This operation demonstrates that these types of crimes will not be tolerated in our region, and the incredible lengths we will go to protect our communities, and arrest those we believe are responsible."

The suspects, Croatian nationals who had recently travelled to the UK, will appear before Bedlington Magistrates’ Court today.