AN AXE-wielding burglar has left a street in terror after raiding at least 13 properties in 25 days.

Thousands of pounds of goods, including Christmas presents and cash, have been stolen from the businesses and charities in Strawberry Bank, Blackburn.

The raider has been using an axe to smash his way inside after firms started installing stronger doors to keep him out.

Bosses said they could not believe the burglar had been able to carry out so many raids without being caught.

Police have pledged special patrols in the evenings and said they were also carrying out forensic tests.

David Cotton, who runs Alberbridge Property Rentals and leases out seven buildings in the street to various businesses, said the thefts had cost him tens of thousands of pounds in repairs.

Mr Cotton said that five of his properties as well as his own offices have been hit, with some of them being targeted twice.

He said: "The damage he is doing is unbelievable and it is costing us thousands to replace all the doors.

"We replaced the doors with bigger, stronger ones and then he just started using an axe to get in instead.

"I can't believe that he has not been caught. We can't carry on like this.

"It is affecting so many people's livelihoods and people are scared about coming to work."

In the latest break-in on Monday night at the Room 4 haidressers the burglar left a trail of destruction after ransacking the premises and stealing thousands of pounds worth of electrical goods and hair products.

Suzanne Fish, owner of the salon said: "It's getting ridiculous.

"This is the second time we have been broken into in the last few weeks.

"It's just getting to the point where the police need to do something.

"I am scared of staying in work when it gets dark because I feel like he's watching me. I just don't feel safe anymore."

On the same night the burglar also struck at the Creative Support Social Inclusion Service for people with mental health needs using a hammer to break-in but left empty handed.

But during another raid at the same property on December 13 he used an axe to break-in and stole more than £700 in cash which was destined for the christmas party.

Presents, a Wii console and a TV were also taken.

Bosses at the charity said the theft had brought dismay and trampled their Christmas spirit.

Debra Gago, team leader at the organisation said: "This has been a very upsetting time for both staff and service users and there are concerns that the thieves will return yet again.

"There doesn’t appear to be any let up in these burglaries and we arrive at work every morning not knowing what awaits us."

During a raid at the Relate counselling services building on December 11, the burglar left with just a bottle of cordial.ead.

On a raid at the same property on November 28 he stole two laptops and a quantity of cash.

The Africa Community Action centre has also been raided twice and had five laptops and petty cash stolen.

Money and computer equipment was taken from Intec Systems in two separate raids and there have also been repeated break-ins at Howard and Co Accountants and Hardman Woods solicitors.

Hilary Fielding, who runs Hilary Estate Agents opposite the Room 4 hairdressers said she fear the site would become the next target.

She said: "It feels kind of inevitable that we will be hit."

PC Stephen Dundon, community beat manager for the area, said: "We have identified a number of forensic opportunities and our inquiries are continuing.

“We are aware there have been repeat victims and there also may be some people who have not reported crimes.

"We are setting up a dedicated burglary patrol in the area during evenings and have already carried out a leaflet drop to ensure that businesses owners are keeping their premises secure."