A WITNESS to a thief breaking into a vehicle in Helmshore helped police to catch the offender.

A Rossendale Neighbourhood Policing Team spokesman said: “At 2.30am on Friday morning, a sharp-eyed resident saw a person breaking into a vehicle on Alden Road, Helmshore, and then drive off.

“Fortunately they were able to obtain the registration number.

“The vehicle was then stopped in Burnley a little later and the items which had been stolen from Rossendale were discovered along with various other stolen items.

“A 39-year-old woman from Burnley has subsequently been charged and was remanded in custody.

“The owner has been reunited with his property.”