BURGLARS escaped with thousands of pounds worth of property after targeting an isolated farm house in what appears to be a well-planned daytime break-in.

Police today appealed for witnesses who may have seen a vehicle carrying the culprits to or from the property, along a minor road off the southbound carriageway of the A19, near Hutton Henry in east Durham.

While the owners were out the burglars forced their way in through a conservatory and ransacked various rooms in the farm house.

They escaped with several ornaments, various items of jewellery and china, plus two crystal perfume bottles.

A full inventory of the haul is still being evaluated, but it is believed the value amounts to several thousand pounds.

Those responsible would have used a vehicle to get to and from the house, almost certainly using the minor road off the A19, signposted to Hulam.

Anyone who saw a vehicle in the vicinity last Friday, August 9, between 11am and 1pm, is asked to contact Peterlee CID, on 0191-586 2621.