POLICE are asking town centre DJs to put out a crime prevention message at the weekends to halt a spate of thefts.

In the last 10 days police have received seven reports of theft from revellers visiting pubs and clubs in Blackburn town centre. The majority of the thefts happened at a weekend and items stolen included handbags, purses and mobile phones.

Sergeant Phil Davies, who supervises the town centre team, said there was a sudden increase in such thefts.

He said: "The thefts are occurring when people are at the bar or are otherwise distracted. We would ask people to keep a close eye on their property at all times and keep hold of purses and mobile phones. These are items are easy pickings for opportunist thieves. We will be asking DJs and licensees to assist us in helping to crackdown on thieves."