DETECTIVES investigating a series of burglaries in the Ewood area of Blackburn are urging residents to be vigilant.

The warning comes after a fourth house was targeted by thieves.

A man in van was spotted acting suspiciously by neighbours in Kirby Road shortly around 2.30pm.

A concerned neighbour contacted police after spotting the man, described as 5ft 6in, slim and in his early 20s, climb on to a flat roof and try and prise a wooden door open.

But before police could arrive on Friday the thief set off the burglar alarm and ran away.

DI Paul Langley said: “I urge people in the Ewood ares to keep their windows and doors locked when they leave their properties. We believe these thieves are targeting empty properties with open windows.

“I would like to speak to anyone who saw anything suspicion in the Kirby Road, Marlton Road area on Friday.” Anyone with information should call police on 101.