POLICE have urged villagers to be on alert after burglars were spotted near their community.

People living in Neasham, near Darlington, are being asked to contact police immediately if they see anyone acting suspiciously in the area.

The appeal comes after Sergeant Steve Ball, of Darlington Police, told Neasham Parish Council that police recently stopped two known juvenile burglars from entering the village.

"The youths were known to us and they were stopped, searched and sent on their way." he said.

"They were from the Darlington area and I would urge residents to contact us if they see juveniles making their way into the village."