BUILDERS working on a large-scale housing development on the outskirts of Shildon are being warned to be on their guard after a spate of thefts.

Thieves are targeting the site next to Spout Lane where they have stolen building materials and plant machinery.

Police are investigating several incidents over recent weeks.

In one crime, a blue Bomag Steam Roller was taken from the site on January 8 and a blue Bobcat tractor the next night.

Then on Wednesday, February 26 fencing materials were taken from a small compound off Spout Lane at around 10.45pm.

It is thought they were loaded into a flat bed truck before being driven off.

The police are meeting with Persimmon Homes and Dunelm, the main developers, in an effort to tackle the thefts.

Investigations have revealed that although residents saw people acting suspiciously at the time offences were carried out, they failed to call the police.

Residents are urged to call 999 if they see anyone acting suspiciously near the site. Details on any of the thefts should be passed to Shildon police on 101.