A car’s window has been smashed and the vehicle’s battery has been tampered with, in Burnley.

Police have also reported an increase in vehicle crime in Oswaldtwistle.

According to police, the car vandalism took place in Accrington Road at around 1.25am today (December 5)

The parked vehicle was approached and a person/people attempted to gain entry by trying the doors, which were locked.

The front window was then smashed.

It was later discovered that the battery in the car was tampered with.

It does not appear that anything has been taken from the vehicle.

Anyone with information has been asked to get in touch with Burnley neighbourhood policing team.

Officers have also issued some advice on how to protect yourself against vehicle crime.

A police spokesperson said: “There has been a report of a vehicle that has been parked up on Accrington Road in Burnley.

"The vehicle has been approached around 1.25am today and entry has tried to be gained by the doors that were locked but after this was unsuccessful the front window of the vehicle has been smashed.

“Search has been made inside the vehicle in which the battery has been tampered with. At this time is appears nothing has been stolen from in the vehicle.”

The Hyndburn Neighbourhood Policing Team have also reported a number of incidents of vehicle crime in Oswaldtwistle.

A police spokesperson said: “We have become aware of a number of incidents of vehicle crime in Oswaldtwistle in recent days. Items have been stolen from vehicles in the early hours of the morning.

“We would like to remind everyone to keep vehicles locked and secure and to remove any valuables and items that are on display.

“If anyone has any information or CCTV footage relating to this please contact the neighbourhood team by emailing: Hyndburn.NPT@lancashire.police.uk.”

Tips on protecting your car against vehicle crime, according to police

  • Never leave items on display, such as shopping bags, handbags, or coats. Don’t leave spare keys or sat navs in your vehicle, even in the glove box.
  • At home, don’t leave car keys in clear view from windows or in reach from the letter box. Hook and canes can be used to steal keys through letter boxes. High value and performance cars can be specifically targeted for this type of crime.
  • Never leave the engine running, especially in frosty weather, car thieves know that people do this.
  • If you use your vehicle for work, remove your tools or other valuables if possible. Simple things like reversing onto the drive so that the rear doors on a van can’t be opened easily will help to put thieves off.
  • Park where the vehicle can be well seen, even if it means walking a bit further. Don’t park behind bushes, walls or large vehicles because this gives criminals somewhere to hide. At night try to park in residential areas because people are more likely to be at home not at work.
  • When using a car park, remove all items on display and think out when you will be returning to the car – will it be dark, if so is there a safer area to park nearer to a street light?
  • Consider steering locks, alarms, tracking devices and immobilisers and if you have them, use them.
  • Use anti-tamper or security screws on your registration plate – they can be easily fitted but can’t be removed using standard tools. These area available from various online retailers, DIY and vehicle maintenance stores.
  • HGV’s and plant are often targeted for diesel theft. Devices are available to buy to help combat this however good security of compounds, lighting, good quality CCTV and natural surveillance will all help to deter this type of crime