A TEENAGER allegedly tried to steal a ring from a jewellers yesterday, but dropped it when tackled by a member of staff.

Police have released a description of the youth and would like to speak to him about the incident.

The teenager entered the shop pretending to be a customer. When he grabbed a ring and tried to run off, a male member of staff grappled with him and the youth dropped the ring and ran away.

He was white, in his late teens and had a shaved head. He was wearing a ripped, mustard-coloured shirt and blue tracksuit bottoms, with stripes down the side.

Local resident William Grieves said he was in Thirsk market place yesterday and heard many people talking about the incident.

He said: "These sort of thefts shouldn't be allowed to happen - there should be a better police presence on the streets to prevent it."

Anyone with information about the youth or the attempted theft, is asked to call Northallerton CID on (01609) 789452.