POLICE are investigating a spate of heating system thefts.

In the latest burglary a boiler was taken from an empty house in Bright Street, Darwen.

It was only noticed when the owner visited the house for the first time in a month last week.

The boiler and combination worth £500 were taken and police are linking this theft with a number of other offences.

The total value of property stolen in this spate runs at thousands of pounds. Other offences have occurred at;

Ivinson Road, Darwen -- central heating boiler and seven radiators worth £2,000 were taken.

Heys Lane, Darwen -- a combination boiler worth £1,000 was stolen.

Bank Street, Darwen -- a combination boiler worth £700 was taken sometime between December 4 and January 22.

Ash Grove, Darwen -- a combination boiler and a number of radiators worth £200 were taken.

Hollin Grove Street, Darwen -- a combination boiler was taken.

All the houses involved were either empty or being renovated.

Det Sgt Neil Hunter of Darwen CID said: "If anyone is offered cheap central heating or combination boilers, please contact us."