Police launch appeal after spate of burglaries across Burnley, Pendle and Ribble Valley

Police have urged householders to be vigilant after a spate of break-ins across Burnley, Pendle and the Ribble Valley in the past two months.
Police are asking householders to be more vigilant after a rash of burglaries over the last two months.Police are asking householders to be more vigilant after a rash of burglaries over the last two months.
Police are asking householders to be more vigilant after a rash of burglaries over the last two months.

Since the beginning of March this year, there have been 25 burglaries reported to police in the division covering Burnley, Pendle, the Ribble Valley, Blackburn and Hyndburn,

At each of the properties high value vehicles have been targeted, with car keys either taken or searched for, with most offences happening overnight. The offenders in these crimes are removing locking systems from UPVC doors to gain access inside homes.

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Lancashire Police have now launched a "help us to help you" initiative in a bid to crackdown on this type of crime.

A police spokesman said: "We are urging residents to be vigilant and report suspicious activity to the police, as well as reminding homeowners the importance of keeping their properties and vehicles secure from thieves."

They have come up with a series of tips to keep your property safe including:

• Keep front and back doors locked and windows closed.

• If windows need to be left open, then consider leaving only upper floor windows on the latch so that they cannot be opened further from outside

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• Fit a door chain / extra locking mechanisms which are readily and cheaply available and use it whenever leave the premises or go to bed.

• Keep side gates locked / consider fitting door alarms.

• Keep valuables out of sight.

• Keep vehicle keys out of sight of front doors.

• Consider fitting outdoor security lighting.

• Keep an eye on neighbouring properties and if you see anything suspicious contact police.

• Install an intruder alarm and activate even whilst at home during hours of darkness.

Further crime prevention advice is available by visiting http://socsi.in/aUG6o.

Anyone with information or concerns about burglary can contact police on 101 or ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

In an emergency, or if a crime is being committed, always call 999.