POLICE in Barnoldswick say a spate of sneak-in thefts should persuade residents to be more aware of crime in what is traditionally a safe area.

Officers said the area was very safe with low levels of crime, but that residents needed to think about crime prevention to make sure they did not become victims.

The warning follows two sneak-in thefts at houses in Mosley Street and York Street on Monday night.

At the first, thieves stole two mobile phones, including a new NEC video-phone, and a purse.

At the second, a purse and wallet were stolen.

The houses are within several hundred yards of each other, and both had unlocked doors.

Police said the average number of crimes in West Craven was just two a day, and those were usually minor offences, and that the lack of crime had made many people think they were safe.

A police patrol in Barnoldswick near the area of this week's crimes revealed every other house with open downstairs windows, an invitation to thieves, said police.

Inspector Martin Holleran said: "Barnoldswick is a very safe area, and it may be that some people have become a little complacent. It's important that people think about crime prevention issues because we do not want them to become victims of burglary.

"All it takes is a few very simple measures, like keeping downstairs windows and doors locked at night. These recent offences are sneak-in thefts where the offender has taken advantage of easy access, but if people take care they won't become targets."