POLICE have issued a warning after a couple carried out a distraction burglary near Darlington.

The pair - a male and female - knocked on a door in Hurworth Place and asked to borrow some paper, so they could leave a note for a neighbour.

The householder invited them in and the female began to write a note in the front room.

While she wrote, her accomplice said he needed the toilet.

He went upstairs, stole items including a purse, before leaving.

The male was described as tall and broad. The female was described as looking ill, very thin, with fair shoulder-length hair.

PCSO John Angus told Hurworth Parish Council on Tuesday night of a similar burglary in Hurworth Place that had been thwarted by an aggressive Alsatian dog.

PC Julian Brown warned Middleton St George Parish Council on Monday night.

He said: "It is a particularly nasty crime because it preys on vulnerable members of society."

Darlington Police are organising a campaign to crack down on doorstep crime. In March, a conference, called Beat The Bogeyman, was held at Morton Park and attended by residents, councillors and policemen.

Inspector Sue Collingwood, who is organising the campaign, said doorstep crime was dangerous.

"I would rather alarm a few people if it prevents it happening to a few people."

She said steps could be taken to prevent doorstep criminals.

"Firstly, people think cash is safe in the house if they have hidden it. It is never, ever safe.

"Secondly, we would encourage people to report suspicious incidents. Quite often the story is quite plausible, so people shouldn't feel embarrassed if they are tricked."

The Hurworth Place burglary, which took place at 4.20pm on Thursday, May 10, is being investigated by Darlington CID. Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.