POLICE patrolling an area which had been targeted for theft from vehicles found a man walking the streets at 1.30am carrying tools.

Blackburn magistrates heard Alan Sturdy was arrested on another occasion in possession of a torch, a length of metal with a hook on, a case of screwdrivers and a piece of copper wire.

And on both occasions he denied he was planning to steal.

Sturdy, 36, of Hollingreave Road, Burnley, was convicted in his absence of two charges of going equipped for theft. He was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months and ordered to pay £200 costs and £115 victim surcharge.

Philippa White, prosecuting, said the first arrest was in Pendle Way, Burnley, where police were patrolling because of a spate of offences.

The second time police responded to information from the CCTV monitor who had seen a men trying to break into a building. When police attended Sturdy ran off down the canal tow path.

Daniel Fraser, defending, said his client still maintained he was not guilty.

"At the time of the offence he was living a transient lifestyle and when he left his property he took belongings with him," said Mr Fraser.