POLICE in Bedale are warning householders to be on their guard following a spate of vehicle thefts in the area totalling £30,000.

A Black Mitsubishi L200 pickup was stolen from Bedale Market Place overnight on 19 January. On the night of 20 January, thieves broke into a house on Parker Drive in the town, stole the keys to a Grey Mitsubishi Lancer and took the vehicle from the drive.

A green Landrover Defender was also taken from the drive of a house in Bowe Crescent between 11pm and 7am on 28 January.

Officers are appealing for anyone with any information relating to the thefts or any witnesses who saw any suspicious activity in the area on the night the vehicles were taken, to get in touch.

PC Mark Wood from Bedale Safer Neighbourhood Team said: "We would urge residents to ensure they keep their vehicles and keys secure. Make sure vehicles are locked when not in use and any security devices activated. Keep your keys in a safe place when you go to bed at night. Don't leave them on view or where they can easily be found.

"We would also urge owners of horse boxes and trailers to keep them secure when they are not in use, they represent easy pickings for thieves who can simply hook them to back of a vehicle and tow them away. Park them with another vehicle in front of them, use a wheel a clamp and make use of any access you have to a secure lock-up"

Anyone with any information about the thefts is asked to call Bedale Safer Neighbourhood Team on 0845 60 60 247.