POLICE are warning owners of top-of-the-range cars to be on their guard after two thefts in North Yorkshire.

Intruders forced their way into two properties in the Richmond area in the early hours of Tuesday, took keys and used them to steal cars from the drive.

A Mercedes sports car and a Rover are still missing after break-ins at Middleton Tyas and East Layton.

Anyone from either village who may have had strangers knock on their door, or has seen anyone acting suspiciously over the past few days, is asked to inform police in Richmond.

There have also been reports of an attempted break-in at Melsonby, while the same gang could be responsible for a spate of similar incidents around Harrogate.

Anyone who can help police with their inquiries can either ring Richmond police on (01609) 783131 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.