TWO masked men prowling a residential street armed with an axe have been caught on camera.

The chilling footage was captured by Neil Mooney who installed CCTV cameras after concerns over crime in his area.

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The pair are seen trying the door handles on a number of cars and houses in Ryddings Street and Hornby Street in Oswaldtwistle at 2.30am on August 4.

As they approach Neil Mr Mooney’s house, one of the men enters his front path and can be seen holding an axe in his hand.

They also ripped one of the CCTV cameras he has installed from the wall in an unsuccessful bid to destroy any footage.

Since Mr Mooney shared his videos online they have received 35,000 views.

He said: “I’ve put this online because this happens everywhere.

“People walking down streets trying car and house doors looking for unlocked ones. I hope all my friends watch this and make sure they keep their doors locked.”

The men can also been seen shining a mobile phone light into parked cars along the street.

Lancashire Police said they are now examining the footage.

Mr Mooney was amazed his video had been shared more than 1,000 times in one day.

He said: “I had the police round and they now have the videos. He was They were pleased so many have seen it and hopes hope everyone will keep their doors locked.

“I don’t think they were targeting anyone specific, just walking the streets trying door handles hoping to find and unlocked one. They weren’t trying every door so may be avoiding certain ones for some reason – possibly those alarmed.

“We have an alarm that’s always set when [we are] out or in bed but the bell box is on the side, so maybe they hadn’t seen it.

“I don’t think there has been a spate of burglaries according to the police but I know of at least one on our street.

“I’m sure they will have tried my door handle. I had a CCTV camera at a low height at the door that they stole. Probably just for the sake of it as the camera will be no good to anyone with the wires ripped out of it. They tried next doors and a couple of others. I’m just hoping people seeing them will keep their doors locked like we always do.

“We live in a nice area but I do think opportunist thieves like this try finding easy targets all over.”

The videos have sparked concern in the quiet neighbourhood.

Joanne McGloine who also lives in the area and viewed the footage online, said: “This has terrified me. I’m a stickler for keeping my door locked at all times anyway but now I’m thinking of adding extra security.”

Another resident, Joanne Searle, added: “This is very scary. Hope all our neighbours are unaffected by these horrible people.”