The theft of Ford Transit and Mercedes Sprinter vans remains a growing problem for police across East Lancashire.

Officers say they are still seeing numerous thefts of such vans, which are often used as work vans by tradesmen, with many of them being taken without keys.

A spokesperson for the police said: "We are still experiencing the theft of work vans, particularly Ford Transit and Mercedes Sprinter vans.

"It’s a problem across the North West of England and the vans are being taken without keys and we need your help."

The police are now asking anyone who owns similar vans to the ones mentioned above to do what they can to keep it safe.

Officers have advised that using wheel locks or blocking it in may be the difference between a van being stolen or not.

Thieves are often put off by security measures and will just move on as opposed to cutting-off locks and doing anything that makes noise.

The spokesperson added: "If your neighbour has one of these vans then we’re asking you to be a good neighbour.

"If it never moves overnight and it suddenly drives off at 1am then please let us know.

"We’d rather have a call with good intent that a stolen van.

"We got a quick call and stopped the van and locked up the suspect when recently stolen in Bacup.

"Please help us to help you."