POLICE in Darwen have issued some crime prevention advice after a spate of car thefts in the town.

Over the weekend, two cars were stolen and two broken into.

The police are not linking the crimes and have told residents not to panic, but say there are a few simple tips that can guard against similar crimes.

Sergeant Anne Scott said: "Secure your vehicle, don't leave valuables on view and try to park in a well lit area.

"People don't need to panic. The crimes don't appear to be connected as they happened on different sides of town."

In one of the crimes, a red Vauxhall Corsa stolen from East Park Avenue was found crashed on Bolton Road hours later.

The car was taken overnight on February 22 to 23. It was later found overturned with a trace of blood on the roof lining. There was no sign of the driver.

A white SEAT Inca was taken from Belthorn Road, Belthorn, between Saturday night and Monday morning, and was found burnt out in Haslingden.

Thieves also stole property from a black Volkswagen Passat at the weekend.

The car was parked on Pitville Street, Darwen, overnight from February 22 to 23, when a window was broken and a digital camera, CD, money and keys were taken.

Finally, a Citroen Saxo was broken into on Tockholes Road in Darwen between February 20 and 21. Speakers and a stereo system were taken, along with CDs.

Call Darwen CID on 01254 353843.