SEASONAL shoppers in Burnley are being warned to keep their Christmas gifts under wraps to ensure they aren't targeted by thieves.

Police are urging people not to leave shopping bags full of gifts on view in their cars and once those gifts are wrapped, not to leave them in full view in their house.

Unveiling a new poster and postcard campaign designed to get the Christmas message across, Inspector Chris Bithell urged shoppers to take on board crime prevention advice.

Insp Bithell said: "Most car crime is opportunist - thieves simply pick on the most insecure car or a car with goods, jackets, wallets or mobiles clearly on display.

"Your car may be one of hundreds parked up on a car park or one in a long line parked on the street but if you leave it unlocked or you leave presents on display, thieves will zero in on it and make their move.

"Cars which are insecure or left with valuables on display are like a magnet to thieves.

"Don't let thieves knock the stuffing out of your Christmas, keep your gifts under wraps."

The posters read: 'It's just too tempting for light-fingered thieves - display and you'll pay!'

Insp Bithell also had this message to potential offenders: "The net is well and truly drawing in on those committing crime in Pennine Division.

"If you are a car thief, a burglar or any other type of offender come to that, it is only a matter of time before our officers catch up with you.

"We may be approaching the season of goodwill to all men but we are always happy to make an exception where criminals are concerned.

"We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to track down suspected offenders and we will be doing everything we can to ensure that they spend their Christmas and New Year in a prison cell."