A SPATE of thefts in a County Durham town is being blamed on heroin-addicted youngsters who steal to feed their habit.

Police in Newton Aycliffe say that the addicts are behind thefts from cars and of clothes from washing lines.

About half a dozen cars in the area have had wheel trims stolen in the past fortnight. They are often sold on at car boot sales.

Thieves targeted a Vauxhall Vectra car parked in Greenwell Road, Newton Aycliffe, on Thursday evening, and stole all four wheel trims, valued at £100.

Washing lines are being targeted by thieves, often on the lookout for designer clothing.

PC Tony Burn, of Newton Aycliffe Police, said: "A lot of them are young people who have no means to feed their habit other than to steal.

"Anything that they can turn into cash they will take."

Police say that car owners should mark their car registration number on the inside of their wheel trims to make them less attractive to sell on.

They should also be vigilant and keep on eye on washing lines, particularly if they hold any valuable clothing.

Anyone with information about a theft should call police on (01325) 314401.