HAPLESS thieves were outwitted by the weather when police followed the tracks of a stolen quad bike in the snow for several miles to where it had been abandoned.

The culprits had run out of petrol and hoped to return to get it - but the police got to their ill-gained booty this morning.

A Durham police spokesman said: “Officers were called to Tyne Avenue in Leadgate, near Consett, 1am. They attended the scene and made an area search for the suspects.

“A quad bike was tracked for several miles through Leadgate, Consett, The Grove and Castleside over roads and a former railway line, before being found in a remote location off the A68 at Rowley.

“It appeared to have run out of petrol and looked to have been stored for persons to return later and collect it. It was recovered by officers and will be returned to its rightly owner.”

In a Facebook posting Durham Constabulary said: “Snow won’t stop Cleveland & Durham RPU from achieving more #Opdragoon results..

“RPU responded to reports of a stolen quad-bike last night, thanks to the snow and ARV “Armed Response Vehicle), the quad was tracked by following tire marks leading to the #Consett area. Quad found abandoned off the A68 @ Rowley.”

Anyone with information about the theft should contact Durham Police on 101.