POLICE are warning residents to be on their guard after a number of vehicle thefts.

Blackburn with Darwen Police posted on social media about the news.

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: “We have seen an increase in van thefts, particularly Ford Transit and Mercedes Sprinter vans, across the East of the county.

“Thieves are targeting the vehicles overnight, and for their popularity amongst the trading and construction business sector. We do see quite a few on the road, so they do become an easy target for opportunistic and organised crime.

“There are lots of additional ways you can help protect your vehicle from crime, including the traditional wheel lock or clamps for the vehicle. Alarms, immobilisers and tracking systems are also becoming more popular with van owners.

“We are working with the communities to tackle this problem, so if you do have information you can always report it online at http://orlo.uk/DuiwH, or you can alternatively ring 101”