FARMERS in the Darlington area have been warned to be vigilant after a spate of burglaries.

Police said it was suspected that the same people were behind two raids on farms on Monday night, in which a £500 saddle was stolen from a farm in Coatham Mundeville.

In a second incident at High Beaumont Hill Farm, thieves were disturbed and left empty-handed.

A taxi was seen leaving the farm early yesterday morning by a wagon driver returning.

The two farms are only a few miles apart.

Shane Hall, from High Beaumont Hill Farm, said the attempted burglary was the fourth incident in as many months at the farm.

She said quad bikes and a diesel had been stolen so far.

Mrs Hall said: "It's left us very nervous. I've not had a good night's sleep in weeks.

"Every little noise I hear wakes me up. It seems that no sooner have you started to relax and think the break-ins have stopped, than another one comes along."

Anyone with information can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.