POLICE are urging people in Spennymoor to be on their guard against car key thieves.

The warning comes after police discovered thieves were stealing people's cars by hooking car keys off hall tables by pushing sticks through the letter boxes of homes.

In two recent incidents in Spennymoor, a thief made off with a car and another stole a car which ran out of fuel minutes later.

Spennymoor police are warning local people to be extra vigilant and to keep any keys well away from doors.

Detective Sergeant Bob McKay, of Newton Aycliffe CID, said: "Two of these incidents happened in the same night.

"It shows what lengths these people will go to. So the message is clear, keep keys and valuables away from any doors with letter boxes."