THIEVES caused the closure of a main shopping area when they are believed to have attempted to steal a gas meter from an empty property.

Police, fire crews and gas engineers were alerted after a strong smell of gas was detected in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, yesterday lunchtime.

The road was reopened after 15 minutes, but engineers from Northern Gas Networks worked for several hours to ensure the former site of Longstaffs Family Bakers was safe.

David Longstaff, whose business moved across the road, still held the keys to his former business premises because the landlord was away.

He said: “We still had the keys for the old building, which made it easier for the gas engineers to sort the problem out. There used to be a lock on the rear gates, but the thieves must have cut it off to get in. The gas meter is outside on the rear wall and that is what has attracted their attention.

“We have never had any problems when we were in the building, but we moved out about eight weeks ago. Luckily, we have stayed on good terms with our former landlord, so we were able to open the building up without anyone having to force their way in.”

Part of the shopping centre was cordoned off while an initial investigation was carried out to trace the source of the suspected gas leak.

A Northern Gas Networks spokesman said: “The police took the decision to close the road, but our engineers were able to quickly identify the source and get them to reopen it. The problem was located in an empty property and we dealt with it as quickly as possible.”

A spokeswoman for Durham Police confirmed the area was sealed off for about 15 minutes before officers were given the all-clear to reopen the road.