Burglars target four homes

POLICE are warning residents to be extra vigilant after a spate of burglaries in which two cars and handbags were stolen.

The three burglaries and one attempted burglary all happened in the early hours of Friday, July 1. Entry to all the properties was gained through unlocked doors.

Two cars - a blue Volkswagen Polo and a silver Ford Fiesta, were stolen from a house after burglars stole keys through a cat flap. Police said the offenders targeted a house on Commercial Road in Great Harwood by climbing over a locked gate into the rear yard and then approached a locked uPVC back door.

Police watch liaison officer Anthony Ford said: “The offenders then accessed the door key through a large cat flap and used the key to unlock the door.

“Having entered, the offenders searched the ground floor and stole personal property and two sets of keys to cars that were parked outside the address.

“The offenders then used the keys to steal both cars, a Ford Fiesta and a Volkswagen Polo.”

Two burglars were also disturbed trying to break into another house on nearby Russell Place and fled the scene.

Mr Ford said: “Both offences are currently under investigation by detectives. As resourceful as criminals have become, they are very easily frustrated and outwitted.”

Handbags were stolen in two further burglaries on the night on Gladstone Street in Great Harwood and Hawthorn Bank in Altham.

PC Vicky Heys said police were linking the incidents because similar methods of entry were used.

She said: “I would advise residents to make sure their back doors are locked even if they are at home as there are opportunistic thieves out there.

“We would also advise them to make sure their whole properties are secured. Don’t make it easy for the thieves.” Call 101.