POLICE are seeking information about thieves who stole a car and smashed up another.

The crime spree started on Tuesday evening, when the thieves stole a black Ford Sierra from Oakenshaw, near Willington.

Police believe they drove the car to Evenwood, where there was a sighting of people wearing balaclavas getting out a Ford Sierra, to smash up a second car.

The Sierra was later found abandoned and burnt out just after midnight, in Central Avenue, St Helen Auckland.

A spokesman for Bishop Auckland police said: "We can only presume the people seen in the black Ford Sierra who smashed the Rover car, were the same ones who took the car from Oakenshaw."

Anyone who witnessed any of the incidents is asked to contact Bishop Auckland police on (01388) 603566.