PEOPLE in north Durham are being reminded to lock up their property during the warm weather after an opportunist.

Jewellery and a computer console was stolen from a house in Lowery Lane, Craghead, during the day on Friday.

Police understand the burglars gained entry through an unlocked door.

Inspector Amanda Cathrine, of Stanley Police, said: "It is getting to that time of year when the weather is nice and people leave their houses insecure.

"The leave doors unlocked and windows open when they would otherwise would not.

"We get a number of sneak in burglaries as a result because people are in their back gardens having a barbecue and they think nothing will happen."

Property taken includes a white gold ring, necklaces, a wedding band and a Nintendo Wii system and games.

Anyone with information can call police on 0345-60-60-365.