THE majority of burglaries in East Lancashire are being committed at unlocked homes with thieves just walking in and taking expensive items.

Police have warned that it takes less than 60 seconds for an opportunistic burglar to try a door handle, go inside and steal people’s possessions.

Since August 1, more than half of domestic burglaries in Hyndburn were as a result of residents leaving their homes unlocked at all times of the day and night.

Figures show that around 63 per cent of burgled homes in the borough were targeted by criminals with easy access to take what they wanted.

This equates to 49 of 78 burglaries which occurred in the last three months.

Sgt John Kennedy from Accrington Police said: “A person’s home is often the biggest financial investment of their life and inside that home are the things that are most dear to them – sentimental items, valuable possessions and of course their family and other loved ones.

“It seems unbelievable that people would put these things at risk by not locking up when they go to bed or when they leave the house – and yet this was the case in 63 per cent of the burglaries that we were called to over the past three months.

“Burglary rates are low across the county, but it is disappointing to know that among those that have taken place, over half could have been avoided through simple crime prevention measures.

"We need residents to work with us when it comes to combating crime and locking out thieves.”

Pennine Insp Tom Riley said: “In Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale during October 35 per cent of the burglaries were sneak-in style thefts.

"The majority of those were at unlocked houses with insecure doors or windows, particularly in the Gannow, Stoops and Padiham areas.

“We are carrying out crime prevention activities around these areas and arresting people where we can.

“But this is not just a local problem, it is a national problem.

"People just need to be aware that when they’ve been out in the evening just to take an extra couple of minutes to make sure everything is locked.

“We always welcome information from the public who may be suspicious of someone’s behaviour in the area.

"If they see people trying doors or windows call us and we’ll have officers there straight away.”