FIVE people were arrested on suspicion of going equipped to steal after they were spotted acting suspiciously in a remote part of Teesdale in the early hours of Friday morning.

Barnard Castle police then issued an appeal to people in the Baldersdale area, near Barnard Castle, to check their property to see if anything had been stolen.

A Durham Police spokesperson said: “We received a report of suspicious behaviour whereby five men were seen carrying torches walking around properties in Baldersdale, Barnard Castle at around 1am.

“A vehicle has been recovered believed to be used in connection with this crime, five arrests have also been made in connection with this incident.

“Local farmers are asked to check their outbuildings to ensure no burglaries have taken place overnight.”

Anyone who saw any suspicious activity is urged to contact police on 101, quoting incident number 14 of November 17 .