A GANG of burglars went to a lot of trouble to break into a council depot - but fled with just two items when an alarm sounded.

The intruders climbed over an outer fence before using a scaffolding pole to lever a heavy gate off its hinges to get into a compound at Stainton Grove, near Barnard Castle.

Once inside the yard, they used a jemmy to force open a door and reach offices used by the works department of Teesdale District Council.

But when the alarm went off, they ran out with only a laptop computer and a computer base unit.

They drove off in a vehicle just before police arrived.

Acting Sergeant Mark Jagovzinski, of Barnard Castle Police said yesterday: "They must have used a lot of strength to get in. There must have been at least two and possibly three of them.

"They moved a number of computers and other equipment, seemingly planning to take them.

"But when they heard the alarm, they must have gone off with what they could carry easily."

A police tracker dog followed a trail to a spot on the road nearby, where the trail ended - so officers assume the burglars got into a vehicle.

Acting Sgt Jagovzinski said: "Officers arrived at the scene within five or six minutes of the alarm going off, but the intruders had already gone."

He appealed for anyone who saw a vehicle or men near the depot after 9pm on Thursday to call the police on (01833) 637328