THIEVES rammed a police car as they fled from the scene of an attempted burglary.

Police had disturbed the burglars as they attempted to break into a garage on Brunswick Street, Darwen, at 10.50pm on Friday January 11.

The offenders made off without any property in a silver Volkswagon Bora, which had a part registration of PE51. The two police officers in the vehicle were not injured.

This comes after a spate of burglaries at commercial garages overnight between Friday January 11 and Saturday January 12 when thieves attempted to break into garages on Taylor Street and Ellesmere Road, Darwen.

Thieves also broke into a garage on Calico Street, Blackburn and made off with tools to the value of over £6,800.

Police suspect the offences were committed by the same offenders and an investigation is underway.

Sgt Ian Geogarty said: "I urge anyone with information to help us to identify the offender or offenders responsible to contact police immediately. I would also ask for local garage owners to be extra vigilant and report anything suspicious to the police."

Crime prevention officer Adrian Grant added: "I urge garage owners to ensure expensive tools and specialist equipment is clearly marked preferably at multiple points.

"Property marking by stamping or etching your postcode can be an effective deterrent against theft and could make recovery of stolen goods easier."

Anyone with information about the incidents should contact police on 0845 1 25 35 45 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or for further crime prevention information please see the website www.lancashire.police.uk