Warning after spate of van thefts

Van owners in County Durham have been urged to be more security-conscious after a spate of thefts in the north of the county.

Between 10 November and 15 December there were six thefts of Ford Transit vans in Chester-le-Street, as well as one in Stanley and one in Durham.

Police said that in some of the cases the thieves' job was made easier by keys left in the vehicles.

They were left on top of the sun visor, or balancing on top of a wheel.

David Gibbs of the north area road policing unit said: "It is very unusual to record so many thefts of one type of vehicle in just four weeks and suggests the thieves are actively targeting Ford Transit vans.

"We would urge owners to be more careful and ensure their van is locked and secure whenever it is unattended."