BURGLARS who forced their way into two houses this morning found keys which they used to drive off in two cars parked outside.

They also stole other property from the two homes which are a short distance from each other at Startforth Park, an estate just outside Barnard Castle, County Durham.

The raids were described by Police Sergeant Ed Turner as "extremely distressing" to the two families whose vehicles and goods were taken.

The thieves are known to have got into one house through a rear conservatory door between 1.30 and 2am. They took a grey Dell laptop computer and a pink Vivitar digital camera as well as personal papers and the car keys.

They drove off in the family's four-year-old blue Ford Fiesta which was parked at the front of the house.

The other break-in was about the same time when the intruders got in through a rear door. They rummaged around in the kitchen before leaving with a black leather handbag which contained personal documents as well as the car keys.

They went off in the family's black Vauxhall Astra, first registered this year, which was parked on the drive. A number of Christmas gifts and some money were in the vehicle.

Sgt Turner asked for anyone who saw strangers hanging about in Startforth Park early this morning or yesterday evening to contact police.

He added: "This type of crime is so unusual for this area that we are sure they must be linked. The two families are quite shaken by what happened and do not wish to be identified.

"We would like to hear from anyone who saw those two cars leaving the area, and would particularly wish to know which way they were heading. We don't wan't to give their registration numbers at this stage."

He asked all householders in the area to take extra care to make their doors and windows secure.

Police will also be making extra patrols each night around the estate.

Anyone with information can call Barnard Castle police on 0845-6060365 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.