The area around Waskerley Reservoir where the crime occurred. Photo: Robert Graham CC-BY-SA-2.0

Police are investigating the theft of a car-load of outdoor gear.

The owner had parked the locked vehicle in a remote area of County Durham.

The car was left between 6.45pm and 7.45pm at Waskerley.

When the owner returned, the front offside window had been smashed and a stash of outdoor equipment stolen.

This included: 18 mixed-size carabiners in a black canvas duffle bag which also contained a Palm Pro buoyancy aid, gloves, divers watch and blue trainers; a grey Safequip storage bag containing a large drysuit, helmet, red buoyancy aid, size 10 yellow and black boots and a thermal suit; a grey Safequip storage bag containing a medium-size drysuit, helmet, red buoyancy aid, yellow and black size six boots and a thermal suit.

A black Nintendo DSI with Super Mario game was also stolen from the car.

Police are appealing for anyone with information about the incident or any witnesses to contact Durham police on 101 and ask for PC Helen Pearson at the Stanhope office, or ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.