POLICE are hunting for a group of people responsible for a spate of unusual jewellery thefts in a single day.

On Thursday afternoon, a couple were taking their shopping back to their car at the Morrisons supermarket, in Consett, when they were approached by two Asian women who were in their 20s and wearing saris.

One placed a necklace around the neck of both the man and woman but, when they reached their car, the husband realised that one of his own gold chains was missing.

Earlier in the day, a man was walking along the side of the A693 in Greencroft, near Stanley when a blue Mercedes tooted and pulled up next to him.

Two women got out and again started giving him jewellery, but when they left he realised his signet ring was missing.

In the third offence, a man was walking along Waldridge Road in Chester-le-Street when a vehicle pulled up and an elderly Asian woman tried to give him some jewellery, but took his gold necklace in the process.

PC Colin Smith said: "In the first incident the couple were taken completely by surprise, the necklaces were put on them before they realised what was happening.

"The other offences were equally unusual, again the women appeared to be giving out jewellery but were actually stealing.

"We're treating this as a distraction offence and we're carrying out a number of enquiries to trace these people.

"We're also asking people to be vigilant for people acting in this way and report any sightings to police as soon as possible."

The women at Morrisons were both of large build, about 5ft tall and spoke broken English.

Any witnesses, or anyone who has information about similar offences, is asked to ring PC Colin Smith on 0345 6060365 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.