DURHAM Police are reminding motorbike owners to ensure their machines are secure following the theft of a pit bike from a back yard in Darlington.

The motorbike, a Stomp 140cc machine, was stolen from the rear yard of a house on Pensbury Street, near Darlington train station, between 11.30pm and midnight on October 7.

It is a kick-start motorbike with gold-coloured suspension forks and is valued at £700.

Police are advising bikers in the region to lock their machines away and if possible chain them to the floor through the chassis, using an approved ground spike.

Security lighting can also be useful in deterring would-be thieves.

Anyone with information about the stolen bike's whereabouts or the theft should contact us police on 101.