JEWELLERY has been stolen in a spate of crimes in the Stoneyholme and Daneshouse area of Burnley, say police.

The thefts have caused anxiety among the people in the Asian-dominated district about their property and whether they will be next to suffer at the hands of thieves, says local community leader Ejaz Hussain.

Now the wave of thefts has prompted police and local residents to call a public meeting at the Daneshouse community centre on Saturday to discuss what can be done.

Mr Hussain who asked police to lead the meeting said: "A small number of individuals are causing people to lose sleep worrying about their property.

"We need the meeting to inform everyone about what is happening and to help people to protect their belongings."

Inspector Steve Hartley said police would be distributing crime prevention information.

He added: "Much of the property stolen is jewellery and we would very much like to know where it is being sold.

"If anyone has been offered jewellery recently or any other property cheaply then the police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 would like to know."

The meeting will take place in the community centre at 11am on Saturday.