THIEVES have stolen everything of value from a luxury £300,000 house - including its conservatory.

A police spokesman said the detached, dormer bungalow, in Barrons Way, Burnhope, near Stanley, in County Durham, was repossessed some time ago.

The house was placed on the market earlier this month, but last weekend, thieves forced a door to the vacant property.

The burglars removed nearly all the plumbing, including a spa bath.

They also took a number of light fittings and dismantled and removed the entire structure of a conservatory attached to the outside of the building.

The only areas left untouched were the kitchen and one of the house's five bedrooms.

Police have appealed to residents who may be suspicious of the police to overcome their reluctance to speak to officers and come forward with information.

Detectives believe the thefts must have attracted attention, as it would have taken several hours to complete.

Acting Sergeant Neal Bickford, of Durham Police, said: "It is possible some people may have noticed the activity at the premises, but assumed it was building work being carried out.

"Whoever did this has gone to considerable lengths to plan the operation and then carry it off.

"Removing a conservatory alone would take a number of men several hours."

Representatives from the Halifax - the estate agent handling the sale of the house - made a routine check on the property on Friday afternoon. The damage was discovered yesterday morning. The property has since been boarded up.

Neighbours said they had not noticed anything.

The Halifax declined to comment.

Inspector Andy McConnell, also of Durham Police, said: "We understand that some people in Burnhope are often reluctant to report matters because of the isolated nature of the community and a suspicion of the police.

"We hope some people will take courage and we would urge them to contact Crimestoppers, where they remain anonymous."

Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800-555-111.