POLICE yesterday warned people turning up to the biggest dog show in the North not to fall prey to opportunist thieves.

The annual Darlington Championship Dog Show, which gets under way in South Park today, will be the subject of a major police operation.

With thousands of dog owners and visitors converging on the town, officers are pleading with people to ensure their vehicles and property are secure.

Inspector Paul Unsworth said: "There are a lot of security issues for us surrounding the show. Many people are so focused on the event that cars are left unlocked and windows down."

Officers and community wardens will be patrolling the park area over the weekend, in a bid to deter thieves.

Darlington police have had countless reports this year of valuable items being stolen after they were left in full view in vehicles.

But despite high-profile campaigns urging motorists to take greater care, criminals have been continuing their spree.

Insp Unsworth said: "There will be an awful lot of people and vehicles and it's open season for criminals.

"People come from all over and very often they don't realise things have been stolen until they've got home, hundreds of miles away. That can also make it difficult for us to carry out an investigation."