POLICE in Colne have issued a warning for residents to be more vigilant following a recent spate of burglaries and car crimes in the town.

Eight burglaries and thefts have been reported in just three days this week with the majority committed because of thieves finding doors unlocked or seeing valuable items on view.

DC Andy Eddleston, of Colne CID, said: "We are encouraging people not to leave their property in view in their cars. If they have to leave it behind they should ensure it is locked away in their boot where it can't be seen.

"These are the simple things people can do to prevent people stealing their property."

A blue Peugoet was broken into in Langroyd Road, overnight on Monday, and a sports bag containing water bottles, football boots and a mobile telephone worth in total £363 were stolen. A builders yard in Hill Street was broken into on Tuesday and thieves stole 245 litres of diesel fuel worth £183.

Thieves stole a black handbag after it was left in view in a Toyota Yaris parked outside the Albert Road Sports Centre, on Tuesday, and on the same day a £25 torch was taken from a Toyota Yaris in the car park of St Michael and All Angels Church, in Foulridge.

Cheeky thieves stole a handbag from a Rover, in Bond Street, on Tuesday, after the elderly owner put the bag on the front seat. The thief was described as white, 18 to 20 years with dark short hair.

DC Eddleston also warned about the dangers of leaving house doors unlocked after £680-worth of electrical items were stolen from unlocked houses in Keighley Road, Cotton Court and Wordsworth Road.

He said: "We appeal to the public to lock their doors and windows." Anyone with information about the crimes should contact DC Eddleston or DC Holden on 01282 472445.