Residents are being urged to make sure their doors and windows are locked following a spate of burglaries.

The latest was a break-in in Station Road, Whalley, but Sgt Dave Clarke said officers had received calls about burglaries in Billington, Whalley, Wilpshire and Langho over recent weeks.

He said: “This latest burglary is part of a spate we have had, the majority of which have been at unsecure properties.

“Please ensure that you have locked your house up, shut all the windows and locked your car because we believe the offenders are also targeting unsecure vehicles.

“It is likely they are travelling into the area. The Ribble Valley is a very safe area to live in, but people cannot be complacent.”

It is understood the burglars got into the Station Road property by smashing a patio door. It is not yet clear what was taken or exactly when the attack happened.

Anybody with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.