A THIEF stole cash, wallets and mobile phones from a teachers' cloakroom when he walked in through a door left open because of the hot weather.

Plice said two men in a white Transit van drove up to Stubbins Primary School, in Bolton Road North, and the passenger got out.

The opportunist thief walked in through an open door leading to the school kitchen before entering the staff cloakroom.

He stole money, wallets and mobile phones and then walked back to the van.

A member of staff challenged the pair, but did not retrieve the stolen items.

Police are now warning schools and businesses in Rossendale to be vigilant and not leave doors and windows open.

Sgt Mark Taylor, from Rossendale Police, said: “During the hot weather, everybody likes to have doors and windows open to keep areas to let a breeze in.

“But people should always have crime prevention in mind, because it is very easy for thieves to take advantage when they can enter and exit properties easily.

“Schools and businesses should keep their wits about them during the heat wave.”

Police are now asking people to report sightings of the van, which has a registration plate close to MK13NWT.

It may have been stolen from Rochdale before the thefts, which took place on Tuesday at 12.45pm.

Anyone with information should call police on 101, report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and quote log LC-20130709-0652.

Alternatively, email keith.sandham2@lancashire.pnn.police.uk.