POLICE today warned people to vigilant after a wave of burglaries in Nelson and Brierfield.

In one break-in an elderly disabled woman was woken as a burglar rooted through her belongings.

Now officers are asking people to be on their guard following the big increase, while police track down the offenders.

The break-ins -- six in just two days -- have included items taken from empty properties and in some cases burglars fleeing after being disturbed by homeowners.

Inspector John Bullas, of Nelson Police, said the worst incident happened on Tuesday morning when the elderly disabled woman was woken up by a burglar.

The thief was searching the property in Park Lane, Brierfield, at 5.45am when he was disturbed by the 72-year-old victim and fled.

He took with him a black leather handbag and purse and £40 cash as well as bank cards and books. He was described as a white male, in his 20s and wore dark clothing.

Thieves made off with a £300 haul of goods from a house in Regent Street, Nelson, on Monday afternoon, including a DVD player, cable box, gold necklace, baby clothes, jacket and suitcase.

Two offenders were disturbed trying to break into a property in Clitheroe Road, Brierfield, when the owners came home at 11.50pm on Monday and they fled.

In Bird Street, Brierfield, a would-be thief was also disturbed trying to break into a property at around 5.15am on Tuesday and fled. He was described as a white male, early 20s and with ginger hair.

An empty terraced house in Pine Street, Nelson has also been broken into and a £369 combi boiler stolen, while a £300 combi boiler was taken from an unoccupied house in Railway Street, Nelson.