A FAMILY business in Hoddlesden was ransacked by vandals who wrecked seven vehicles in an attempt to steal them.

Police today sent out a warning to Hoddlesden businesses after the tearaways entered Darwen Sawing Services and caused £1,000 worth of damage.

Officers are also warning residents to look out for small groups of children or gangs who might be causing trouble in the area.

The business, on New Johnson Road, was vandalised on Sunday night, the same night that children broke into the Vernon Carus factory and sprayed fire extinguishers over machinery, breaking windows in the process.

PC Dave Allan, of Darwen police, said: "An unknown number of people broke into the unit and smashed up various vehicles and we think there may be a link to the factory which was vandalised on the same night.

"The vandals attempted to hotwire the vehicles but didn't succeed.

The intruders smashed the ignitions on several vehicles, including a Mercedes van, and also tried to steal alloy wheels from a Sierra.

Danny Slater, company manager, said: "They've caused a lot of inconvenience with this mindless vandalism.

"The cars belong to friends who use my unit at times to do repairs. To repair them I think the cost will be in the region of £1,000.

"The parents of these kids probably think they're the best thing, but they don't know what goes on when they're out at night."

PC Allan said: "We want to tell business people to make sure their premises are locked up before they leave and to make sure everything's in order.

"If anyone has seen anything suspicious, I would urge them to get in touch and let us know.

"People should be aware of any gangs that are hanging around in the area."

Anyone with information on the crimes should contact Darwen police on 01254 353842 or Crimestoppers on 0845 555111.