POLICE officers have warned residents to keep valuables safe and out of sight after a string of sneak-in burglaries.

In the last week there have been reports of thousands of pounds worth of property being stolen from homes and cars in Great Harwood.

Incidents include burglars breaking into a house in Martholme Close early on Friday and stealing wallets and mobile phones as well as the keys to an Audi A3 car worth more than £10,000, which was taken as well.

Late on Saturday evening property worth almost £1,000 was stolen in a burglary at a home in Church Street.

The offenders stole an X-Box computer games console and games along with £450 after climbing through a ground floor window.

Sgt Ian Corbett said: "I am appealing to people to keep valuables out of sight and to make sure that doors and windows are secure at all times.

"There seems to be a trend for stealing vehicles after finding the keys during a burglary.

"It is easy pickings for criminals and a double whammy for victims."