POLICE say five recent burglaries in North Yorkshire could be linked to 50 more from around the country.

North Yorkshire Police said a burglary in Harrogate, could be linked to four more in York, Harrogate and Scarborough, and more than 50 currently being investigated in the Thames Valley and Hampshire areas.

A spokeswoman said the Hookstone Road burglary happened on Friday, June 1, between 9.25 and 10am, when thieves broke the centre door panel of the front door, leaving a hole large enough to walk through.

However, once inside they were disturbed by the owners sons, who were inside at the time and left empty handed.

As the property owner returned, they were approached by a man and woman - who were believed to be visitors to Harrogate - who stated they had seen a man run down the side of the house before getting into a BMW car with another two men and drive towards Leeds Road.

Police want to speak to the man and the woman, or anyone else who was in the Hookstone Road area at the time and who may have information which could help the investigation.

Anyone with information should phone 101, select option two and ask to speak to DC Julie Carter or David Pegg from York Investigation Hub.

Alternatively, email Julie.Carter@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or David.Pegg@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk, or phone Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111 quoting reference 12180096378.