POLICE in Malton are urging people to keep an eye on their outbuildings and trailers, following a number of thefts which they believe could be linked.

Inspector Neil Burnett, of Malton police, said it is "quite possible" that an Isuzu Trooper and box trailer were taken to accommodate goods stolen elsewhere.

The grey coloured Isuzu Trooper, registration number G342 HWK, was taken from Glebe Farm in Levisham during Saturday evening.

Around the same time, a twin axle Freighter 808 trailer with the registration number D288 SVL, loaded with a collapsible bar and beer pumps, was taken from the Buck Hotel in Thornton-le-Dale.

That same night, five lawn mowers and a generator were taken from the Pickering Mower Centre, on Outgang Lane, Pickering.

An attempted break in at a workshop on a farm near Pickering and the theft of a fleece jacket from a parked car in Helmsley could also be linked.

Inspector Burnett said it could be "pure conjecture" that the incidents were connected, but noted had all happened in a small area in a short space of time.

He added: "We would appeal for people to be very careful in how they secure their property, particularly when left in outbuildings or unattended vehicles.

"The advice we would give is to make sure that if you are leaving your car, do not leave items in there, take them into your house.

"Outbuildings can be cheaply and easily alarmed. With regards to trailers, particularly livestock trailers, they are regularly stolen and again, at a relatively cheap price, you can buy quality security alarms specifically for them."

Since May, police records show three trailers, one horse box and a caravan have been stolen from the Ryedale area.

PICTURE: Insp Neil Burnett: appeal