RENEWED calls are being made for adrenaline junkies not to leave valuables in their vehicles when they park up near the River Tees.
The warning follows several thefts from cars belonging to canoeists at Winston Bridge, Egglestone Abbey Bridge and the lay-by at Bowlees.
The problem is so bad that people spoke out about it during the public participation session of Winston Parish Council’s March meeting.
Parish chairman Mike Taylor said: “The problem is at the bottom of the bank where people, particularly canoeists, park.
“It is isolated and there is nobody around. There are signs down there telling people to be aware.”
PC David Williamson, of Barnard Castle police, confirmed that Winston Bridge is one area that is being targeted and incidents were recorded at the back end of October last year, in December, and again during February this year.
In most cases, a window had been knocked out, an untidy search had taken place and items had been stolen.
He said: “It is as issue we have been looking into for a while.
“Most of the time they are paddlers.”
He added that the thefts may be carried out by opportunists who take advantage when they see vehicles sporting roof racks for canoes.
He said it is often difficult for paddlers to take their valuables with them on their canoes.
“It is a difficulty for them and that may be the reason they are being targeted. It is sad that people who are coming to enjoy the river are being targeted,” he added.
The random nature of the thefts complicates matters, PC Williamson said.
He added: “It is a problem but there is not a pattern.
“We try our best to patrol, and other things, but it is a difficult one that is not easy to solve.”
He urged people not to leave valuables in their vehicles when they park up, or if not possible, to makes sure valuables were out of sight.
