POLICE are trying to crack a stolen goods racket following a spate of thefts from sheds and garages.

Detective Sergeant Brian Anderson, of Consett CID, said: "We are getting a lot of garage and shed burglaries throughout the whole of Derwentside, especially things like lawnmowers and bikes.

"This stuff must be going somewhere and we believe it is being sold door-to-door.

"Anyone coming forward to tell us about someone buying a dodgy bike could lead us to something bigger.

"The people buying these goods should be aware that it could be their shed that is burgled next week."

Thieves took a purple Falcon mountain bike valued at £200 from a home in Ainsley Terrace, Consett, last Thursday night.

A Razor Magna maroon BMX also went missing from a shed in Lyndhurst Road, Stanley, the same night.

Anyone with information should contact Stanley Police Station on (01207) 232144.