POLICE have joined forces to investigate a car crime spree that has left a trail across the region.

The Northumbria and Durham forces are working together to trace the culprits behind a spate of car break-ins.

Six incidents were reported in the Weardale area between the afternoon of Saturday, June 25, and the morning of Sunday, June 26.

And between 2.15pm on Saturday and 7.15am on Sunday, a car outside the Lord Crewe Arms, in Blanchland, was targeted.

Money was stolen from the vehicle and the screen of a sat-nav system was removed and taken.

Between 5pm on the Saturday and 7am on Sunday a car was damaged.

The windscreen of the silver Citroen was smashed and the numberplate has been ripped off and stolen.

Police believe the stolen number plate has been attached to another car, possibly a silver Honda.

That car has since made off without making payment for fuel in the Blaydon area.

Northumbria and Durham Police are now working together, making forensic and CCTV inquiries, to identify the offenders.

Motorists are urged to exercise extra vigilance, ensure cars are locked and secure and not leave valuables inside.

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to call police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.