THREE adults and a youth have been charged following a series of police raids across the region.

Police in North Yorkshire and County Durham joined forces to investigate a spate of break-ins at high street shops in five towns.

The crime spree began in the early hours of last Wednesday when a number of shops were targeted in Northallerton, North Yorkshire.

Newsagent Martin's, in High Street, was worst hit when thousands of pounds worth of cigarettes were reported stolen.

A police spokesman said six people were caught on security cameras running away from the High Street, and detectives believe the same people were responsible for four similar crimes in Stokesley, near Middlesbrough, and later in Barnard Castle, Gainford and Sedgefield, in County Durham.

Four people from the Hartlepool area were arrested and interviewed over the weekend in connection with the crimes.

"They have been charged with a number of offences in the Durham police area and we have asked for matters in North Yorkshire to be taken into consideration," said Detective Constable Gary Ient.

The accused will appear before Sedgefield magistrates, sitting in Newton Aycliffe, later this week.