A SERIES of van thefts are being investigated by police.

Between November 10 and December 15, a total of eight Ford Transit vans were stolen across North Durham, including six in Chester-le-Street and one each in Durham City and Stanley.

Police are now urging van owners to be more security conscious after it emerged that the keys had been left inside a number of the stolen vehicles.

Insp David Gibbs, of the north area road policing unit, said: "In a number of cases the keys had been left on top of the sun visor or even balancing on the steering wheel column.

"It is very unusual to record so many thefts of one type of vehicle in just four weeks and suggests the thieves are actively targeting Ford Transit vans.

"We would urge owners to be more careful and ensure their van is locked and secure whenever it is unattended."

The Transits stolen include various different types such as panel, pick-up or dropside vans.

Most have been recovered - one as afar afield as Manchester - but two are still missing.

The most recent took place on Monday when a van parked in Brecon Place, Pelton was stolen after thieves forced their entry.

It was later found abandoned at the nearby Drum Lane Industrial Estate.

Over the next few weeks, police will stop Ford Transits on the road in the area and check whether the driver is the rightful owner.

They will also pass crime prevention leaflets to van owners and remind them of the basic security measures they can take.