POLICE in Preston have issued a chilling warning to burglars over the festive period -- 'We'll catch you'.

And officers targeting offenders say householders should be on their guard for thieves studying houses to identify residents who leave keys near the front door.

The thieves then use a length of rod to collect the keys and open the house and often the family car.

Detective Inspector Tony Conboy, said his officers would be targeting burglars, adding: "Burglary is a terrible offence at any time of year, but over Christmas and New Year, during the holiday season, this demonstrates what type of people we are dealing with.

"They care only about themselves and have no feeling for the damage and upset they can cause a family. If you are thinking about committing a crime this holiday period we will be out there, and, we will catch you."

DI Conboy also urged residents to foil bogus officials who claim to represent a company.

"Never allow anyone into your home without first seeing their ID," he said.

"But I would ask everyone to watch out for their neighbours. If you have a vulnerable person living in your street, maybe someone elderly who lives alone, ask yourself 'who is that person at her front door?'

"We all have to stick together on combating the nuisance and distress bogus officials can cause. Don't be fooled by their clever excuses and reasons for not having identity. Don't let them in."

Security advice on doors, windows, lighting, alarms, neighbourhood watch schemes and post coding can be obtained through Preston Police's Community Safety Department on 209112.