POLICE are warning people to be on their guard against opportunist thieves following two burglaries.

In the first incident, on Christmas Day, the burglars forced their way into a house at Ouston, near Chester-le-Street, through a kitchen window while the occupants were out, between 3.30pm and 11.30pm.

They got away with jewellery.

The second incident happened at about 6pm on Boxing Day, when a burglar entered a terraced house in Grange Villa, near Chester-le-Street, using the same method.

The occupants, who were in the house at the time, were alerted by their dog barking, but by the time they reached the kitchen, the burglar had fled.

A pair of black woollen gloves and a handbag containing little of value, which has since been recovered, were stolen, along with two strips of Amitriptylene sleeping pills.

Police are concerned that they could cause serious illness or even death if several are taken at once.

They say there is no firm evidence that the two incidents are connected, although they are not ruling this out.

Detective Sergeant Tony Dumighan said: "This is a timely reminder that over the festive holiday period, the opportunist burglars are still very much at work.

"People should remember that thieves will be on the lookout for Christmas gifts or anything else they think they can get away with."

Anyone with information is asked to call the police on 0191-388 4311.