POLICE have warned residents in Darlington to be on their guard after a burglar targeted homes in West Crescent last Friday.

In the first incident, at about 7pm, a thief walked into a house and stole a handbag and wallet containing credit cards and cash and a mobile phone.

At 9pm, a man entered another home in the street and, when challenged by the owner, left and headed towards the town centre.

The man is described as 6ft, with blond hair. He wore grey tracksuit bottoms and a blue tracksuit top.

Detective Sergeant Alec Francis, of Darlington police, said: "What we are finding is people whose houses do not have a Yale lock are leaving their premises unsecured.

"We advise those that have a Yale to drop the latch and those who do not to lock their door with the key, even when they are in their homes.

"It only takes a minute for a thief to enter a house and take whatever is lying around, such as handbags and wallets.