A MUSLIM leader in Blackburn has called for more security measures at places of worship after a man admitted a string of burglaries at mosques and religious centres.

Salim Ali, 28, appeared before magistrates for the third time this year and admitted burglaries at Mosques and religious centres in the town.

He pleaded guilty to burglary at Cumberland Street Mosque and the Islamic Religious centre in Preston New Road and asked for five similar offences to be taken into consideration. The court heard that he was already subject to a deferred sentence for a total of seven other burglaries.

Chairman of the Lancashire Council of Mosques Ibrahim Masters said he was aware of the offences Mr Ali had committed. Although his behaviour had not affected the day-to-day running of mosques, he said it should make people think more about anti-crime measures.

"Obviously we will be more security conscious after was has happened and I would urge everyone to be more vigilant and take all necessary security precautions.

"These burglaries have not affected the day-to-day running of the mosques but I think there is a bit of apathy among some. They think that something like a burglary can't happen to them but today we live in the real world.

"I would ask anyone who sees anyone acting suspiciously around a mosque to call the police."

Ali, of Palmer Road, Blackburn, was remanded on bail for the preparation of pre-sentence reports until October 18 when the offences on which sentence was deferred will also be dealt with.

Lisa Worsley, prosecuting, said the matters were serious in their own right and had also been committed during the currency of a deferred sentence.

"They have been committed at a time when the threat of a custodial sentence was hanging over his head," said Ms Worsley. "He has a £20 a day heroin habit and it is the prosecution contention that he feels that burglary of vulnerable premises is the best way for him to achieve that."

Stephen Parker, defending, said Ali accepted that he was having difficulty with heroin.

He was seeking help for his problem was was hoping to be accepted for the Thomas Project which helped drug addicts and homeless.