DETECTIVES are appealing for help after a spate of thefts by a teenager in Hyndburn.

Police want to hear from people who may have been victims of the boy over the last three weeks.

He has already targeted three victims in the Oakwood Road, Hollins Lane and Manchester Road areas of Accrington.

He tricked his way into houses claiming to be collecting newspapers for the church.

Once inside the house he distracted the occupiers' attention to search for and steal cash.

Detectives are concerned that the same youth could be responsible for similar offences which occurred in Blackburn Old Road and Spring Street, Rishton, and Park Lane, Great Harwood, last week.

The youth is white, very short and thin, with light brown hair, and was wearing a navy blue jacket at the time of one or more of the offences.

A spokesman for Accrington CID said: "Anyone who feels they may have been a victim of this type of offence, or anyone who has been approached by someone with a similar excuse for coming into their home can call us on 01254 353743."

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