VILLAGERS are being warned to be on the lookout for a gang of young thieves.

Police have advised people living in Hurworth, near Darlington, to contact them if they see strange youths in the village after a spate of vehicle-related crime during the past month.

A gang of youths from the Yarm Road area of Darlington is thought to be responsible for the crimes, which mainly consist of belongings being stolen from vehicles.

Sergeant Steve Ball, of Darlington Police, told members of Hurworth Parish Council this week that there were five vehicle-related thefts in the village during June.

"They are breaking into cars at an alarming rate," he said.

"We are adapting our techniques to try to catch those responsible.

"In the meantime, I would ask people to contact us if they see youths aged between 11 to 15 in the area."

"If we can disrupt their behaviour and use these techniques we will get them taken off the streets in the long-term."