TRAVELLING thieves have been arrested after planning raids in Burnley and Rossendale.

The gang was arrested after stealing a trailer in Burnley before an attempt to snatch a checkout till in Rossendale.

Keith Sandham, watch liaison officer of East Division, said: “This demonstrates the distances and diversity of crime that criminals travelling into our area can get up to, taking opportunities to steal wherever they can.

“A male was disturbed yesterday trying to steal a till from commercial premises on Burnley Road, Rossendale at about 12.45pm.

“He dropped the till when challenged and made off in a Transit van.

“A description of the van and the number was captured on CCTV and the police were informed.

“At 2pm that day the van was spotted in Haslingden towing a trailer and two men from Oldham were arrested.

“In short, the men had travelled from Oldham and tried to steal property in Crawshawbooth.

“The trailer had been stolen from Cliviger and they were arrested in Haslingden in a van on stolen number plates.”