A CRIME prevention drive in Rawtenstall will see police officers testing front doors, sheds and cars to encourage the homeowners to keep their possessions safe.

Officers from Lancashire Constabulary will be sear-ching for insecure door handles and locks as part of Operation Fortress.

The operation was launched to reduces car crime and burglaries after a recent spate of low level crime including the thefts of sat navs from vehicles.

Officers will monitor crime trends and then focus tactics on areas where recent thefts have occurred.

The neighbourhood police teams will also be visiting homes to speak to residents about home security and the importance of closing windows and doors when they leave their home even in the warm weather.

PCSO Ian Pickles said: “We want to catch people at home, after they are home from work and before they go to bed, so that we can get these essential crime pre-vention messages across.

“We will also be testing door handles on cars, sheds and homes to make sure they have been secured.”

Attention will also be centred on areas where known criminals live, with the intention that the high visibility presence of the officers will put them off committing further offences.

Anyone with information or concerns can contact police on 0845 1 25 35 45 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111