A SAMURAI sword was among the items stolen during a spate of garage burglaries last week.

Seven garages were broken into behind Neville Parade in Newton Aycliffe between 6pm on Monday, January 20 and 6am the following day.

Numerous items were stolen, including three mountain bikes, tools and the Samurai sword.

Detective Constable James Vance, of Bishop Auckland priority crime team, urged anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity near the garages to contact Durham Police.

“This is a secluded location but is in the middle of densely populated housing area,” he added.

Anyone with information should contact officers on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.