POLICE today have warned Ford Focus owners in East Lancashire to be extra vigilant as their cars are being targeted by car thieves.

In what police have called "an emerging trend" the models are being broken into - usually by smashing a window - and the factory-fitted stereos are being stolen.

And officers were today trying to track down a Ford Focus that has repeatedly been seen in Darwen, with false number plates which previously belonged to a car stolen from the centre of Manchester.

Inspector Andrea Bradbury, from Darwen Police, said: "We are experiencing intermittent problems where these cars are targeted for break-ins.

"We had two break-ins in Darwen in one night last week, and three in one night a few days earlier.

"And with other reports it would seem that a definite pattern is emerging.

"I would advise anyone with a Ford Focus, particularly in the Darwen area, to take extra security measures.

"Make sure all property is removed from the vehicle and if you have a car alarm or secure garage, use it.

"This is certainly a new trend and one which we are keen to stop.

"Owners of Ford Focus cars may be stopped and asked questions by police officers and we would ask these drivers to be patient if this occurs.

"It is part of a police investigation to identify exactly who is targeting these vehicles as we have information to suggest it may be a gang from outside the region."

Officers do not know why this particular model is being selected by car thieves as Ford fit the same standard stereo across all their models - not just the Ford Focus.

If anyone has seen anyone acting suspiciously around these vehicles or has been a victim of a break-in themselves they should contact Darwen police station on 01254 701777. Or they can Crimestoppers anonymously