GUN owners have been warned their licences could be revoked if they fail to store their weapons correctly.

Police issued the advice after thieves made off with a shotgun and a chainsaw from a farm outbuilding in the Abbey Lane area of Startforth, near Barnard Castle.

The gun, an Essex 12 Bore Side-by-Side shotgun, was not locked away in a gun cabinet when the burglary occurred sometime between Wednesday, June 8, and Friday, June 10.

Storing guns in a secure, type approved cabinet is a legal requirement specified within the terms of the licence.

Inspector Kevin Tuck, neighbourhood inspector of Teesdale, Crook and Weardale, said: “We would like to hear from anyone with information about this burglary.

“Our concern here is that the shotgun wasn't stored in a cabinet like it should have been and it is now in the hands of a criminal.

“The circumstances of how this happened will be investigated and I would like to remind certificate holders that they must store their shotguns and section one firearms correctly.

“If they fail to do so action will be taken, including revocation.”

The thieves, who entered the outbuilding through an unlocked window, also stole an orange 22-inch Stihl chainsaw with a Sam Turner sticker.

Anyone who has been offered the items for sale or has any information about the burglary is asked to contact Barnard Castle Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.