POLICE in Pendle are urging homeowners to keep windows and doors secure after a spate of sneak-in burglaries.

Officers working on Operation Firewall, the division's anti-burglary scheme, are particularly concerned about the number of ground floor windows which are being left open or insecure, providing easy access for thieves.

DC Karl Millyard said: "Over the past week we have had a number of burglaries where the thief has gained access through an open or insecure downstairs window.

"I cannot impress upon people enough just how important it is for them to keep their windows secure at all times.

"It only takes a few seconds for a thief to gain entry and you'd be surprised at just how small a gap they are able to squeeze through if they are given the opportunity.

"Don't inadvertently welcome a thief into your home.

"If you are leaving the house, even for just a short period of time, secure all your windows and doors and if you are going to be upstairs or at the back of your house for any period of time, make secure the doors and windows elsewhere in the house are secure."

He added: "Burglaries are up by over 30% in Pennine division and we are doing all we can to reduce that figure.

"What I would ask is that the public play their part and do what they can to help prevent becoming victims of crime."