UNDERCOVER police have been scouring Burnley petrol stations to snare the crooks behind a new crime trend.

And they have placed the stations under surveillance to round up thieves using stolen number plates to disguise vehicles that take fuel without paying.

There have been around a dozen thefts from garages in the town while registration plates continue to disappear.

As well as watching forecourts, officers have also urged people to look out for anyone removing plates.

Inspector Damian Darcy said: "We're keen to take firm action to nip the problem in the bud. This type of offence is not only costing garages but it is also costing motorists as thieves are stealing vehicle registration plates.

"The number plates used in at least two offences were stolen from relatively new vehicles in broad daylight.

"If you've seen anyone removing a number plate for no apparent reason we would like to hear from you, or perhaps you've witnessed the actual fuel thefts."

Police said five number plates have gone missing in the past 30 days and two have been used to take fuel. One was stolen from a Seat Ibiza in Raglan Road and another from an Alfa Romeo Spider parked on Elm Street.

During the crackdown, some garages may be fitted with CCTV to record people filling up without paying and police will help firms tighten up on security and know what to look out for.

Inspector Darcy added: "Working with local garages we will be using a range of tactics to prevent and detect offences. We will be urging forecourt staff to be more vigilant and we will support them by using police CCTV and surveillance techniques."

Anyone with information should call Burnley police on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.