A TEENAGER is counting the cost of a burglary in which thieves fled after being startled by seven plastic Santas.

Thirteen-year-old Chris Hoskin, who lives with his father on the Hunter's Hill Estate, in Guisborough, had returned home just before Christmas and was in the bathroom when the singing and dancing santas in the living room, which detect motion, were set off by a burglar.

When the frightened schoolboy went into the living room, he found the rear door ajar and presents stacked in a pile ready to be taken away.

The plastic Santas had all been knocked over as the burglar attempted to silence them. Chris's PlayStation 2 had been stolen, as well as games and £300 in notes and coins, which he had saved from paper rounds and birthday money. He was left with only 30p.

He said: "I was crying and really upset when I realised what had been taken. I was gutted.

"We keep finding more things that have disappeared. My Christmas was really ruined.

"I had the money laid out in piles to put in bags because I was just about to open my first bank account."

The thief had also been upstairs in the house and had stolen jewellery.

Chris's father, Michael, said: "They are just slimeballs, aren't they. You can buy new presents and replace the money. It is more that; someone has been in your house.

"You do not know what else they have done while they were in here. But I suppose at least everyone is okay."

He said a number of houses on the estate had been burgled in the past six months.

Anyone who can help the police with their inquiries is asked to call (01642) 326326.