POLICE are appealing for information about a burglary at a Bishop Auckland home, and for help to trace property stolen during the theft.

A Sony 28in wide-screen television set and a number of compact discs, from the house in Archer Avenue, on the Woodhouse Close Estate, on March 13.

The television was marked with Smartwater, an identification system that can be used to accurately identify it if it is recovered.

Crime prevention officer PC Don Luke has appealed for anyone who might have information about the burglary, or who might have been offered a television set matching the description of the stolen one, to telephone him at Bishop Auckland police station on (01388) 603566.

PC Luke said: "Smartwater gives us a very good chance of returning stolen property to its rightful owner and assists in convictions.

"Half the residents of the estate, which has been the location of a few thefts recently, have their property marked. Others can contact the police or street wardens to have their belongings marked."