MOBILE phone owners are being warned to stay on their guard after a spate of thefts in the Ryedale area of North Yorkshire.

In the last six months, 56 phones have been stolen in the district, prompting police to launch an awareness campaign.

Community safety officer PC Terry Triffitt said: "We are having a leaflet campaign to warn people about looking after their mobile phones - they are desirable objects."

He said phones should be post-coded wherever possible.