A wave of concern has swept through Firthmoor, a typically quiet community in Darlington, after a suspicious male was spotted in the early hours of Sunday morning, prompting a CCTV appeal from Durham Constabulary.
The incident unfolded on March 23, 2025, when police received a report of a man acting suspiciously in the Ingleby Moor Crescent area around 12:50 AM. The suspect, described as wearing a blue hooded jacket and dark jogging bottoms, has since been linked to nearby thefts, raising fears of a potential crime spree.
Disturbing Discovery Sparks Alarm
According to police, a local resident reported being startled by their security lights suddenly activating, revealing a man peering into their garden. Initial reports described the individual as wearing a balaclava, though later CCTV footage captured the suspect’s distinct blue hooded jacket.
Just ten minutes later, at 1:00 AM, police were notified. In the hours that followed, reports of thefts from surrounding properties further fueled suspicions of a connection between the sightings and criminal activity in the area.
Police Investigation and CCTV Appeal
Durham Constabulary has confirmed it is taking the incident seriously, with officers conducting a thorough investigation and urging residents to assist with any available footage.
“Officers will be conducting a thorough investigation and pursuing all lines of enquiry,” a spokesperson for the force said.
“We encourage anyone with CCTV or video doorbell footage between midnight and 2:00 AM on March 23 to review it and contact us if anything unusual is seen.”
Police are particularly interested in identifying any images showing a male in a blue hooded jacket and dark joggers, in hopes of tracing the suspect’s movements or identity.
Community Response: Fear and Vigilance
The incident has sparked a flurry of reactions on local social media pages, where residents have shared their unease and rallied behind a renewed focus on home security.
One local woman, the mother of the resident who witnessed the suspect, shared a distressed Facebook post, writing:
“My daughter woken by a man in a blue balaclava looking into our garden last night at 12:50 AM as the security lights went on and off. The police were called. I have got CCTV of this male — please make sure you keep your houses, cars, and sheds locked. Firthmoor area.”
The post, raw in tone and urgency, quickly gained traction online. Other residents echoed her concerns, some claiming to have witnessed similar suspicious activity in recent weeks, although police have not confirmed any broader pattern.
“It’s worrying to think someone’s out there at that time of night,” one resident commented anonymously. “We’re all checking our locks now.”
How to Help
Durham Constabulary is urging residents with any information or relevant footage to get in touch by contacting PCSO Caroline Douglas via email at [email protected], or by calling 101, quoting reference number CRI00604085.
Police are reminding residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour immediately.
