A REWARD is being offered to help catch thieves stealing car parts from two garages in Accrington.

Hugh Davies, and Accrington Garages, both in Burnley Road, have both been targeted by crooks who have taken anything from wheels to air-bag systems from Vauxhall cars.

Now the two companies have put up £1,000 between them in an effort to see the culprits convicted.

So far nobody has come forward, but Hugh Davies, owner of one of the garages, said he is hopeful the thieves, who took a complete set of wheels worth £1,200 from an Astra, two weeks ago, can be caught.

He said: "They broke into the car and went into the glove compartment. They took the system for undoing the alloys but left the car standing.

"I rang the police and told them who to contact if there was anyone who had information, but nobody has come forward yet." The robberies have all occurred over the last few months

Jag Singh, sales manager at Accrington Garages, revealed that everything from car bonnets to lights have been taken, by thieves who seem to know what they are doing.

Now the garage is looking at improving its security, with CCTV cameras.

Mr Davies already has a fence around his firm, which has made it harder for thieves.

Mr Singh said: "We've had cars damaged, windows smashed. I would say we have had four or five cars done in the last six months, which is quite rare for us.

"With the airbag they have to be very careful that it doesn't go off. It's someone who knows what they're doing."

The garages have now taken out an advert in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, offering the cash for information leading to the successful conviction of the thieves.

Anybody who can help should ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or Accrington police on 382141.