THIEVES left a trail of destruction in their wake when they attempted to steal cars from a village near Thirsk.

They attempted to steal a total of 16 cars in Borrowby, either by breaking into the vehicles or the garages they were kept in. Several of the cars were damaged and some had property stolen from them. Eventually the thieves were successful, and they escaped from the scene in a white Vauxhall Astra, leaving nearby an old red Ford Fiesta XR2 which had earlier been seen in the Leeds area. Anyone with information is asked to contact police on (01609) 789452.

KEEPING WATCH: John Shuttleworth, of the BBC TV and radio show The Shuttleworths, stars in his stage show in Harrogate tonight. Pillock of the Community promises plenty of audience participation from 7.30pm, with a security camera trained on the auditorium in case of rowdiness. Tickets cost from £10 and can be booked by telephoning (01423) 502710

CARAVAN STOLEN: Police are hoping the public may be able to help trace a caravan stolen from a farm near Hawes over the weekend. The double-axle Lord Munsterland may have been towed by a dark-coloured Ford Explorer, seen in the area about the time the caravan went missing. Anyone who may have seen it is asked to contact officers in Richmond.

ANNUAL ART: Leven Art Society's annual exhibition will be held in Stokesley Town Hall from May 1 to 5.