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

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

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

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

Tools worth more than £6,800 were also stolen from a garage on Calico Street, Blackburn.

Police suspect the offences were committed by the same offenders.

Crime prevention officer Adrian Grant said: "I urge garage owners to ensure tools and specialist equipment are clearly marked at multiple points.

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

If you can help call 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