POLICE have issued a warning to home and vehicle owners to be more security conscious after thieves went on the rampage in Darwen.

A total of 33 houses and business premises and 15 vehicles were broken into in the space of a week with a big increase over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Sergeant Phil Nowland said: "Home owners should leave a light on when they are going out or inform neighbours if they are going away on holiday. And vehicle owners should always lock valuable propert in the boot. These are simple facts that keep the thieves at bay."

He added: "Thieves always seem to go to work over the Bank Holiday because that is when a lot of people take weekend breaks. With another Bank Holiday coming up at the end of the month we are advising home owners to take all the necessary precautions to avoid being broken into."

Homes in the Hawkshaw and Sunnyhurst area of the town were broken into and there were also break-ins on Tythebarn Street, St Pauls' Terrace, Ellerbeck Road, Higher Perry Street, Marsh House Lane and Pole Lane. Property stolen included TV videos and computer and hi-fi equipment. A nine carat gold charm bracelet and emerald diamond ring and various other items of jewellery was also stolen.

Two businesses premises on Duckworth Street were among the 15 properties targeted by burglars and a number of radio cassette players were stolen from vehicles parked in and around the town centre.

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