POLICE in Hyndburn are warning householders to be extra vigilant after a fresh spate of flagstone thefts.

Thieves have been targeting Great Harwood, Rishton and Clayton-le-Moors for months, but officers say the offenders are widening their net to include different parts of the borough.

Last month more than 20 thefts were reported across Hyndburn, with police notified of a further 13 so far this month.

Sergeant Claire Holbrook, of Accrington Police, said: "People should be extra vigilant to people who park up in back alleys.

"Even if someone is dressed in official-looking clothing, if someone is removing stones we want to know about it so we can check it. Also don't expect them to be in vans - they might well be in cars."

Sergeant Paul Langley, of Great Harwood Police, said: "Most of it is happening during the night and they are targeting areas with old flags but they keep going between the different towns.

"I would ask if people can be wary of vehicles in the middle of the night going into areas where vehicles aren't seen."

Anyone with any information should call 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.