THE Rossendale Valley is being targeted by Manchester-based criminals, police revealed today.

And they are urging people to keep doors and windows locked to avoid becoming easy prey.

Police said offenders were coming from Manchester to commit crime at night.

The problem was highlighted after an incident last Friday when burglars got into a property in Ramsbottom through an open window.

Three sets of car keys were taken and the thieves drove off in vehicles worth £14,000. They included a dark red Volvo, registration W399 AFR, a silver Ford Ka, registration P118 EBU, and a silver Alfa Romeo 146, registration R841 KTD.

Police believe one of the cars was later used as a getaway vehicle in a Manchester robbery. Sergeant Colin Hudson said: "Residents of Ramsbottom and Edenfield are particularly at risk because we know people are coming from Manchester to commit the crimes."

Police are urging residents ensure ground floor windows are closed and if possible locked.

Sgt Hudson added: "If people do want to open windows at night they should open their upstairs windows and make sure outbuildings do not give access to the windows."

If anybody has any concerns about security they should contact their local police station for information.