OFFICIALS at a North-East airport are working with police to stamp out a spate of vehicle crimes in the airport car park.

Last week, several vehicles in the car park at Durham Tees Valley were broken into, damaged or stolen.

The car park has been the target for thieves on several occasions over the past few years.

Airport commercial manager Richard Whitehouse would not confirm the exact number of vehicles which had been broken into or stolen in the latest series of thefts at the car park, but he said there had been an increase.

"We are aware of the problem and we're doing something about it. We're working very, very closely with police," he said.

"But what we don't have is a secure car park, and we don't claim or publish that, and people who park there do so at their own risk.

"We're working with as many parties as we can - and with staff at the airport - and security has been stepped up."

Inspector Sue Collingwood, of Darlington Police, said she was aware of five vehicle crimes which had taken place over the weekend.

She said: "That's something that we and the airport are concerned about.

"There were other places in Darlington over the past few days that have had a similar amount of crimes.

"What tends to happen in these things is that criminals are active in one area and then move on very quickly.

"I think if you've got a number of vehicles in one location, there's always going to be criminals.

"The car park is a lot safer than it used to be and the airport have been very co-operative and are putting in more security systems and working towards Secure Car Park standard."

Insp Collingwood urged people leaving their cars to check that they do not have any valuables on show and make sure their vehicle is secure.

Last Friday, a Darlington man chased away would-be thieves after he caught them tampering with the lock on his motorbike in the airport car park.

In July 2003, senior police in Darlington criticised the airport management for not providing greater security after an increase in car thefts led to airport users parking in residential streets in nearby Middleton St George.

Anyone with any information about the vehicle crimes at Durham Tees Valley Airport is asked to call Darlington Police on 0845 6060365.