POLICE are warning people to check their homes are secure before going to bed after reports of late-night burglary attempts in the Sedgefield borough.

On at least three occasions in the past fortnight insecure homes in Shildon and Newton Aycliffe have been targeted by thieves.

Police believe that each time the burglars have walked along a street trying to open front or back doors and when they find one unlocked they enter the home and steal whatever is at hand.

On Saturday night a resident in the Simpasture area of Newton Aycliffe was disturbed by an intruder in the house and woke to see the shadow of a person leaving the building.

They later discovered a purse had been stolen.

Inspector Gordon Scott said: "This is a particular problem on warm and close nights, when people have had windows and doors, particularly patio doors, open for fresh air then may forget to lock them at night.

"If people want to keep windows open I would urge them to lock them in that position, because although doors have been used previously I'm sure the thief would resort to climbing through a window."