THIEVES could force a temporary closure of famous cliff lift in the region.

The culprits have stolen safety equipment used by engineers to carry out daily inspections of the 207ft length of track at Saltburn, east Cleveland.

Among the items stolen were clips needed to secure the maintenance men's harnesses to safety cables.

The funicular railway is experiencing its busiest time of the year with 1,500 visitors and local people using the lift last Sunday.

Cliff lift engineer Alan Ismay added: "Potentially, the thieves have put the engineers at a certain amount of risk. If the health and safety people come down strongly, we won't be able to operate until we get replacements.''

It could take a week to get replacements for the clips, which are of little use to anyone.

The bill run up by the thieves is £5,000, the cost of the tools stolen and the cost of repairs to the damage. They broke into the lift buildings between 7pm on Tuesday and 8am, yesterday. They stole tools, keys, a socket set, toilet rolls and cleaning materials.

Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick, cabinet member for culture leisure and tourism with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said: "While there has not been any damage to the lift itself, the theft has caused a great deal of inconvenience and a bill for £5,000 for the equipment stolen and the repairs. "

Anyone with information is asked to call Cleveland Police on (01642) 302626.