A Christmas Scrooge stole Christmas presents from a converted barn in Booth Road, Stacksteads.

Thieves stole a new boxed Sony stereo, a girl's black bike and a full set of Wilson golf clubs in a black golf bag worth £1,290. A man was seen in the area from 2-2.30pm on Thursday asking for work. He is described as white, with dark hair, in his late 20s to early 30s, 5ft, thin, clean shaven with long thin sideburns.

He wore a navy blue three-quarter length jacket and had a small sandy coloured mongrel.

A neighbour reported seeing a man removing items from near to the house at 3.30am.

Det Sgt Stuart Barlow said: "I would like to speak to the man, or if anyone knows who he is they can contact me on 01706 237442."