SEVERAL thousand pounds worth of horse-riding equipment was stolen after thieves struck twice in one night.

Police believes the two thefts in the Chester-le-Street area, which took place overnight from Sunday, May 24 to Monday, May 25, may be connected.

Crossingate Equestrian Centre and High Flatts Farm, which are only 500 yards away from each other in South Pelaw, were targeted over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Saddles, bridles and other equestrian equipment was taken, including an unusual 18-inch Towerhouse brown leather saddle which was worth £1,100 alone.

Tracks from both properties lead down to the site of the nearby car boot sale off the A693, where two wheelbarrows were found abandoned, suggesting the stolen goods may have been wheeled away and then removed in a vehicle.

Anyone with information on the theft, or who is offered similar goods for sale, should contact PC Ian Choake on 0345 6060365 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.