THREE young thieves left empty-handed after tricking their way into the home of an elderly couple.

The teenagers entered a house in Noel's Court, Catterick Village, at about 4pm on Saturday saying they needed to check the water supply.

But the youths fled when one teenager was discovered searching a bedroom.

Two of the thieves were aged about 18, while the third was about 15.

All three were about 5ft 7in and spoke with Yorkshire accents.

Anyone with information is asked to call 0845-60-60-247.

The Northern Echo and trading standards officials launched the Doorstoppers campaign in 2003 to tackle doorstep crime.