DETECTIVES are hunting thieves who sneaked into the homes of two elderly people while they were having afternoon naps.

A 70-year-old man woke to find two intruders, thought to be a man and woman, in the bedroom of his Barnard Castle home on Monday, at 5.30pm.

They fled when he challenged them, but had taken money from the house.

The man said that the two raiders were in their mid-to- late teens.

The same afternoon, at about the same time, a 93- year-old woman in Gainford woke to see a man in her home.

The pensioner said the man was in his late teens or early twenties.

When she shouted at him he ran from the house with a £200 pearl necklace and some cash.

Inspector Kevin Tuck, of Barnard Castle police, said: "These are despicable crimes in which the culprits preyed on the most vulnerable members of society."

Detective Constable Duncan Gill, who is leading inquiries, said: "We think the same culprits may be involved in each case, but at this stage we can't be certain.

"The doors of both houses were left unlocked, and the intruders just sneaked in while the elderly people had an afternoon nap.

"It was only later that they realised the cash and pearls had been stolen."

He appealed for anyone who saw strangers or vehicles in the vicinity of the two crimes on Monday to telephone Barnard Castle police on (01833) 637328.

Efforts are being made to build a fuller description of the thieves.

Det Con Gill said: "We must advise all elderly people to make sure their doors and windows are secure any time they have a nap.

"They should also refuse to let any strangers into their homes.

"If people they do not know call on any kind of business they should ask to see proof of identity, and if still not satisfied they should call a relative or friend."