Two motorbikes were stolen from hotel guests by a group of men wearing balaclavas.
Officers are now appealing for any witnesses after the thefts from a hotel in Houghton-le-Spring.
At around 5.18am on Friday, police received a report that five men wearing balaclavas had stolen the bikes , which belonged to guests staying at the Highfield hotel in East Rainton, before fleeing the scene.
Officers would like to hear from anyone who might have information, or who might have since seen the men or the vehicles in the nearby area.
They are also interested in hearing from anyone who might have dashcam footage from around the time of the theft.
The bikes are both black Harley Davidsons with Dutch registration plates. One is a 2000 HD Dyna and the other is a 2003 anniversary model Dyna.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police by calling 101, quoting reference 145 070619.
