GANGS of thieves are targeting high value cars in rural areas, police have warned.

Officers have issued a security warning after seeing a dramatic spike in burglaries being carried out across East Lancashire with the purpose of taking the victim’s car off their driveway.

In the space of 48 hours last week four burglaries were carried out in Mellor where Audi RS4’s were stolen. Five vehicles were also stolen in a single night in Colne.

Sgt Mick Aspden, from the force’s risk and threat team, said he believed criminals were travelling from out of town with a list of specific vehicles to take. And if they don’t get the vehicles they are after they will take whatever else they can.

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

“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.

“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.”

Sgt Aspden said residents are advised to keep front and back doors locked and windows closed; consider leaving only upper floor windows on the latch so that they cannot be opened further from outside; fit a door chain or extra locking mechanisms which are readily and cheaply available and use it whenever leave the premises or go to bed; keep side gates locked and consider fitting door alarms.

They are also advised to 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; and install an intruder alarm and activate even whilst at home during hours of darkness.

Anyone with information or concerns about burglary can contact police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

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