DETECTIVES have issued a warning after two homes were burgled by thieves who sneaked in through unlocked doors.

Both houses were in the Colleges area of Darlington, and a large quantity of jewellery was taken from one.

It is thought a thief who burgled a house in Abbey Road got in through an unlocked back door on Thursday afternoon.

Among the jewellery stolen was a 50-year-old Rotary watch, with a water-marked face, a nine carat gold ID bracelet, with the name Frederick engraved on it in a scroll, cufflinks, two wedding rings, a diamond solitaire engagement ring, a diamond eternity ring, a gold ladies' Accurist watch and a sapphire ring.

Cash was also taken and the haul is believed to have been worth more than £2,500.

The burglary follows an incident on Friday evening, May 17, in Vane Terrace, when a thief walked into a house through an unlocked door.

A purse containing cash, bank cards and store cards was stolen from the hallway.

Acting Detective Sergeant Peter Eddy, of Darlington police, urged people who are out at the front or the back of their home, to ensure doors at the other end of the house are locked. Anyone who sees people acting suspiciously is asked to call the police.

Anyone with information about the incidents is urged to call Darlington police on (01325) 467681 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.