HOUSEHOLDERS in Billington have been warned to be on their guard after a spate of burglaries at the weekend.

Councillor Ged Mirfin, who represents the village, said around ten residents had told him of a string of thefts during a two hour spree on Friday night.

Lancashire police said three incidents had been reported to them and urged people to make their homes secure during periods of hot weather.

Cash, handbags and car keys were among the items taken from homes in Calder Avenue, Victoria Terrace and Billington Gardens.

Coun Mirfin said he believed people had come from outside the village to commit the crimes.

The Conservative said: “The Ribble Valley has one of the lowest crime rates in the country so this spate is quite unsettling.

“I believe there were two break-ins on cars as well. Obviously people have been leaving doors and windows open because of the warm weather but I would urge them to remember their security at the same time.

“It appears to have been fairly petty things stolen but it’s not nice for the people involved.

I know for one of my old school friends in particular it’s been a real hassle having to cancel bank cards and the like.

“I’ll be speaking with my colleague Kevin Horkin, who chairs the Ribble Valley Community Safety Partnership, to make sure we get the message across to people.

“We want to keep the Ribble Valley crime-free and stop these criminals taking advantage of the nice weather.”

A spokeswoman for Lancashire police backed up Coun Mirfin’s calls for greater vigilance during periods of sunshine.

She said: “Over the weekend there were a number of incidents in Billington.

During the warm weather people need to make sure windows and doors are secure, even when they’re asleep.”