POLICE are investigating a spate of "two-in-one" burglaries in North Yorkshire.

Four break-ins have taken place at properties across the county - each being followed by the theft, or attempted theft, of a vehicle parked outside the house.

In York, a burglar broke into a house in Second Avenue, in Tang Hall, some time during the night on Tuesday, by forcing open the front door.

A handbag containing car keys was stolen. The thief then used the keys to steal the red Peugeot 206, registered FX53 ATU, which was parked outside the house.

Inspector Mike Thompson, of North Yorkshire Police, said: "We have had a number of burglaries occur across the county where premises have been entered and they have stolen the motor vehicle from the premises."

Other burglaries took place in the early hours of Wednesday in the Brompton and Romanby areas of Northallerton and in Kent Road, Harrogate.