POLICE have warned people to be on their guard after a spate of handbag and mobile phone thefts over the weekend.
The four thefts were carried out by youths on bicycles in the Eastbourne area of Darlington.
The victims, who were all women, had the handbags or phones snatched by the youths.
Police said it was too early to say whether the incidents were related.
Inspector Gordon Scott said: "There's been slightly different descriptions of the bikes and it would appear that a number of young people are committing these crimes."
Insp Scott said women should keep a firm grip on their handbags and people should take care where they use their mobile phones.
Anyone who has information about the thefts is asked to call police on 0845 60 60 365.
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