THREE licensed premises in Rossendale have been targeted by burglars.

Police say intruders got into the Red Lion in Newchurch Road, Rawtenstall, overnight from Friday to Saturday through an insecure window on the ground floor and raided various machines as well as stealing £20 from a charity bottle.

Cigarettes worth £1,300 and £100 in change were also taken.

An attempt was made to break into the Woolpack pub, in Haslingden, at 4am on Sunday, but failed when the alarm was activated.

The Robin Hood Inn, Holcombe Road, was broken into by thieves who forced a window, got in and stole the takings and cash contents of a charity bottle and pay phone.

The break-in happened between 2am and 9.30am on Sunday.

Detective Sergeant Stuart Barlow advised licensees to be aware of the situation and to take sensible precautions.

He said: "When we get one we tend to get three or four more of this type of crime."

Anyone with information about any of the incidents is asked to ring Rossendale CID on 01706 237442 or tell Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.