A 2-in-1 burglary is where thieves break into a house to get car keys before stealing the vehicle parked outside the property.

Officers on routine patrol duties spotted three vehicles travelling in convoy at around 1:40 in the early hours of this morning.  

Stopping a Silver Volkswagen Passat, near the village of East Cowick, the vehicle turned out to have been stolen from the village of Carlton earlier.

The driver, an 18-year-old man from Doncaster, was arrested on suspicion of theft.

The two other vehicles, believed to be in convoy with the stolen car, left the area in the direction of Doncaster. South Yorkshire Police were alerted and they caught up with one of them, a blue panel van.

North Yorkshire Police are urging residents to make life harder for burglars and remain vigilant following the arrest of two suspects near Selby and Doncaster in connection with a 2-in-1 burglary in Carlton

The occupant of the van, a 25-year-old man from Doncaster, was also arrested on suspicion of theft and taken into custody in Doncaster before being transferred to North Yorkshire Police.

Both men remain in custody for questioning. Investigations are ongoing to locate the third vehicle, a red Audi A3, which is also suspected as being stolen from the same property in Carlton.

As well as the two stolen vehicles, the householder also reported the theft of electrical goods from inside the house.

Police are warning householders to be vigilant and make life as hard as possible for thieves and burglars.

Acting Chief Inspector Richard Abbott, of Selby police, said: "This good result is down to the vigilance of the patrolling officers and the swift alert to South Yorkshire Police. It sends a clear message to travelling criminals who come to our area to commit crime, that we are waiting for them and they will be caught if they stray onto our patch.

"I would like to remind residents to make life as difficult as possible for criminals. Please hide all your valuables away so opportunist thieves are not tempted. Items such as handbags, car keys, wallets and electronic devices should be locked away or kept out of sight at night.

"Crooks will take any opportunity to steal, so please do everything possible to reduce the chances of becoming a victim of crime. It is also vital that any suspicious activity is reported to the police or Crimestoppers without delay."

Officers have issued the following advice to reduce your chances of becoming a victim:

• Keep your vehicle keys out of view from windows and doors, and out of reach of cat-flaps and letterboxes
• Ensure that doors and windows are secure, even when you are at home and when you go to bed
• Park your vehicle in a garage where possible. Close and lock gates if you have them
• If you don't have a garage, park the vehicle in a well lit area and use a steering lock
• If you have a house security alarm consider part-setting it at night. This may cause some inconvenience but the extra peace of mind may be worthwhile
• If you advertise your vehicle for sale be extra vigilant and don't provide details of your address, unless you are satisfied that an enquirer is genuine
• Consider purchasing a tracker system for your vehicle. This assists greatly in recovering it should it be stolen. Speak to your dealership for assistance
• If you have information about suspicious activity in your area, please call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and select option one.
• Details can also be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.