THIEVES stole two motorbikes and attempted to steal a third in Darlington between Tuesday evening and yesterday morning.

A black Honda CBR 600 motorcycle, registration T995 OCL, and two fishing rods were stolen from a garage in Devonshire Road.

A yellow Yamaha TDM 850 motorcycle, registration R649 TJR, and two fishing rods were also stolen from a garage in Salutation Road.

Thieves also attempted to steal a motorcycle from Hutton Avenue. A person was chased away from the premises at about 4am yesterday. The steering column of the bike was damaged.

A free Home Office booklet, Steer Clear of Bike Crime, a guide to motorbike and scooter security, is available from the Neighbourhood Watch liaison office, in Gladstone Street. Garage alarms are available at a cost of £10, or from Safe in Tees Valley for £11.49. For details, log on to www.crackcrime.com