Thieves struck below the belt after they rifled through the drawers of a Fulford house - and left with six pairs of underpants.

Now Phil Cerny, of Alma Terrace, is reduced to wearing old pairs of underwear after his designer gear was taken.

But he is hoping the offenders will be caught with their pants down following the revelation that some of the garments cannot be bought in this country.

Among the laundry haul were four pairs of white Joe Boxer underpants which sport a Ying and Yang symbol on the front.

Mr Cerny bought them in America and, as far as he knows, they can't be obtained here.

He said: "They are quite distinctive designer pants and I'm hoping that somebody, like the thieves' mothers or girlfriends, might recognise them and tell the police.

The thieves also made off with Mr Cerny's video and TV and some stereo equipment.

But it is the clothes which he hopes will be recognised.

He said: "I have had them all between one and two years, and I have worn them all of that time, so it's a strange thing for somebody to want to take."

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