POLICE have warned that a spate of farm gate thefts in the Weardale and Teesdale area could result in a serious accident if livestock escape.

Galvanised steel gates have been taken from Romaldkirk, near Barnard Castle; Eggleston Hall, Hunwick; and Thornley Village, during the past few weeks.

A metal barrier has also been stolen from Capital Waste Management, at Brown Houses, Frosterley, and two wooden field gates have been stolen from East Hedleyhope, near Sunnyside.

"It goes without saying that the outcome could be a serious accident caused by livestock escaping from fields," said Sergeant Kieran Reed, from Crook Police Station.

He said that the thieves might be selling the gates at auctions to unsuspecting farmers.

"We are asking farmers to make it as hard as possible for the thieves to get away with the gates.

"They should keep an eye on them during the day and on an evening and report anything suspicious as soon as possible," said Sgt Reed.

He has appealed for information about an E-registered pick-up truck, which was seen in the Thornley Village area when the last theft took place on Monday evening.

"Although we are not linking it to the theft at the moment, we would like to hear from anyone who can give us information on it," said Sgt Reed.

Crook Police can be contacted on (01388) 762011.