Police give update after 94-year-old great-grandad's home is burgled in early hours break-in

Durham Constabulary arrested four men in the aftermath of the break-in at the home of Edwin Green in Fifth Street in Horden at around 5am on Tuesday, December 22.

Thieves stole his car keys, his pension money, a miner’s lamp and his wallet after they smashed their way in through a window.

They fled after the pensioner shouted down at the burglars from upstairs after he got up and spotted a light on in his sitting room.

The incident sparked a huge outpouring of support for the ex-Horden Colliery miner, known as Ted to his friends, with a GoFundMe page set up by Peterlee’s Gym 360 already collecting thousands of pounds.

His family have sent thanks to all those who have rallied round to carry out repairs and donate to the fund.

Police, who arrived at the scene moments after the incident after an anonymous tip-off, soon took two 25-year-olds, a 26-year-old and a 45-year-old into custody in connection with the break-in.

The men have since been released under investigation as the probe continues, with officers continuing to appeal for information.

The village has previously been highlighted as a burglary hotspot, leading the Home Office to pledge cash to the area to carry out improvements to protect homes.

Detective Inspector Gareth Hodgson, of Peterlee CID, called the attack on Ted’s home “particularly callous” given he is elderly and vulnerable and as Christmas approaches.

Following the incident, officers have visited surrounding properties to offer crime prevention and safety advice.

As part of the Safer Streets project, residents in the village are eligible for free security equipment, including deadlocks, plug-in light timers and outdoor security lights.

Det Insp Hodgson said: “Any residents with concerns about security are eligible for these services, and I would encourage them to get in touch with us.

“The service is in place to aid the most vulnerable in our community and to prevent these crimes from taking place in the first place.”

Anyone with details about Tuesday morning’s break-in can contact Durham Constabulary on 101.

For more information about the Safer Streets project people can call 07920 709 682 or email [email protected].

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