POLICE are warning homeowners to keep their doors locked after a spate of break-ins by thieves simply trying door handles.

Officers in Bishop Auckland say that, over the last three weeks, a number of properties and vehicles have been entered by criminals trying the door handle and finding it unlocked.

A Bishop Auckland Police spokesman said: “Please double check you have locked your houses and vehicles before leaving them.”

“We will be checking for insecure vehicles and valuables on show and if any vehicles are deemed vulnerable the owner will be notified.”