NEW tenants who were about to move into two houses have been left disappointed after thieves got in before them and tried to steal the central heating systems.

Repairs will now have to be carried out before the two families can move into the properties in Manor Grove at Cockfield, near Barnard Castle.

The intruders damaged two boilers in their attempts to remove the complete heating systems.

They managed to unscrew only one radiator and remove it before leaving the homes, which used to be owned by Teesdale District Council, but are now controlled by the Teesdale Housing Association.

Housing manager Geoff Proudlock said yesterday: "One of the new tenants turned up to make arrangements for moving in, but saw a window open. She looked in, saw some damage and contacted us.

"This is a great shame because both sets of tenants will be unable to move in until repairs are carried out."

Beat officer PC Tony Kent would like to hear from anyone saw the thieves or knows the whereabouts of the radiator. He can be contacted on 0845-6060365.