HOT summer days could be an invitation for opportunist thieves, police have warned.

A spate of thefts from homes in Darlington during the past few weeks has forced them to issue a warning about the dangers of leaving doors open during the day.

Burglars have stolen items after walking into people's houses - even when they are at home.

Sergeant Graham Charman, of Darlington police, said: "Residents might be relaxing in their gardens or having a barbecue, and the thieves just pop their heads round and grab what they can.

"The number of incidents seems to be increasing and we would urge people to be extra vigilant.

"Even when they are confronted, they seem to claim they have made a mistake and that they have walked into the wrong house."

The latest incident, at the weekend, was reported after a man was confronted in a kitchen in Cornwall Avenue, in Darlington.

The man said he was looking for a friend called John and then ran away towards the Haughton area of the town.

He is described as white, in his 20s, with a slim build, 5ft 6in, with short dark hair and a denim bomber jacket style jacket.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Darlington Police on (01325) 467681.