POLICE in Padiham have issued a security warning to vehicle owners after a series of opportunistic break-ins.

Officers have stepped up patrols across the town after a spike in vehicle-related crime.

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Sgt Martyn Holt, of Burnley Police, said: “I want to urge residents to make sure they have locked and secured their vehicles and to make sure they don’t leave anything on view.

“There are obviously people taking the opportunity whilst they are walking around at night and in the early hours of the morning.”

In the first incident at 6.51am a man tried to break into a red Suzuki Swift parked on Victoria Road.

Police want to speak to a suspect seen driving a Mercedes Sprinter van in the area. He is described as Asian in his 20s, who was of stocky build, had short black hair and a goatee beard.

In another incident ladders were stolen from the top of a van parked on Milton Street between 10pm on Tuesday and 5.45am on Wednesday.

Police believe because of the size of the ladders at least two people must have been involved in the theft.

Anyone with information should call Burnley Police via 101.

If the crime is in progress then ring 999.