POLICE are warning motorists that many vehicles parked in Burnley present an open opportunity for car thieves.

In a sweep of a large out-of-town car park police found that half the cars had been left unlocked and many others had valuables left on open display.

Warning letters are now being sent to owners who left their cars insecure and police are vowing to take tough action to prevent opportunist thefts.

Officers in Pennine Division say there are appalled at the level of ignorance when it comes to crime prevention.

One of the vehicles had a handbag on the front seat containing money, credit cards, a mobile phone and keys - and it wasn't even locked.

Sgt Martin Selway from Burnley Police said: "Officers were very concerned about the number of vehicles which were either left insecure or with valuables clearly on view.

"They were also alarmed at the response they got from some of the vehicle owners they spoke to.

"It seems people simply don't think that they will be targeted by thieves. They don't believe it can happen to them. However, in truth, if you leave your car insecure or with items like bags, wallets and phones on view then there's a very high risk that you will be targeted by thieves."

Officers said not all the owners were spoken to - given the number of vehicles at risk, but all of those who left their vehicles insecure will receive a letter from the police asking them to think twice in future.

Sgt Selway said: "If you car is unlocked it is certainly at risk - even if it is secure it is still at risk if there are valuables on view.

"If there is a bag, wallet or phone in the offing, the thieves will smash the window and grab it. It takes just a matter of seconds."

He added: "Before people leave their vehicles unattended I would ask them to give serious consideration to the state of their vehicle.

"If they don't want to lose their valuables or be landed with a bill for car window repairs and insurance excesses then they need to secure their vehicle and remove anything which might catch the attention of a thief.

He went on: "We are doing everything we can to target the car thieves including undercover surveillance operations, but by itself this will never be enough.

"We really need the public to join with us by removing all the easy opportunities that are currently offered to the thieves.

"The police and public working together in partnership can make a difference."